Workplace Safety and Health

Under the company's Vision, SAFETY is an unshakeable priority that defines the way in which we live and work, constantly controlling risks, ensuring the health and wellbeing of people and caring for assets, the environment and the community. From Collahuasi’s point of view, safety should not only predominate in the workplace but also extend beyond its bounds, involving workers’ families. Safety is something that must be borne in mind at all times; it is a way of life.

Preserving the health and integrity of its workers is, therefore, a paramount objective for Collahuasi. As a result, the company seeks to ensure permanent compliance with workplace safety and health standards and goals and has a division devoted especially to these issues.

In the case of safety, the company’s aim is zero accidents and, in 2009, it achieved significant progress in all its safety indicators, with a reduction of over 25% in its Lost-Time Accident Rate and of over 30% in the Total Accident Rate. In 2009, it also launched a re-induction programme for all its personnel and introduced Safety and Health Systems that are key for the management of its operations.

In 2009, in response to the outbreak of AH1N1 flu, the company implemented a vaccination plan for workers, collaborators and the community and also provided doses for workers’ families. Vaccinations took place in the cities of Iquique and Arica and benefited a total of 4,870 people .