Cemex elevates health, safety standards in construction sector

In the high hazard construction industry, upholding a culture of safety is paramount to keeping up with the highest standards of quality. This is particularly true for leading cement manufacturer and building solutions leader Cemex Holdings Philippines as safety is at the heart of its operations and how the company impacts its communities.

“Safety for Cemex is about being mindful of risks, intervening when necessary, and acting in safe ways at all times,” said Edmundo Trazo, corporate health and safety manager of Cemex Holdings Philippines. “It begins in understanding that all of us play a vital role in keeping each other safe. It is even more important than meeting deadlines.”

With this core value being an inherent part of the company’s culture, Cemex implements several programs to continuously elevate the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards in the construction and building industry.

One of the institutionalized efforts of Cemex Philippines is the annual observance of HSE Day which is designed to encourage best practices sharing and emphasize that personal safety leadership should be practiced day in and day out, as everyone is accountable towards maintaining zero injuries and fatalities.

“We are not just part of a plant. We are part of a community. And being a responsible neighbor means taking care of our people starting from within,” said Ernesto Felix, vice president for operations and technology of Cemex Holdings Philippines.

Health and safety records from 2016 show that the company has had zero recordable fatalities, zero employee and contractor losttime injuries, and zero employee total recordable injuries. Also, the reporting of near misses and hazard alerts increased by 87 percent last year which means more employees and contractor personnel are being watchful and mindful of potential hazards and risks.

“Safety is foremost in our pursuit of continuous improvement in delivering products and services. Whereas innovation drives our business, it is through maintaining the highest health, safety, and environmental standards that we ensure the quality of our operations that doesn’t allow room for shortcuts in the processes,” Felix said.

The company also reinforces health and safety efforts among its customers. Its Safety and Health Initiatives for Enablers, Leaders, and Doers Program, for one, has provided approximately 300 hardware stores nationwide with first-aid cabinets, and has installed safety signs in about a hundred construction sites. Safety workshops have also been conducted for customers who operate in high-risk work environments. Under the program, delegates from construction companies and retail stores are able to upgrade their health and safety knowledge and practical skills.