Given the inherently high-risk profile of mining and recognising that our people are our most valuable asset, ensuring employee safety is a key measure for our corporate success.
How We Measure Our Performance
OUR APPROACH TO HEALTH, SAFETY & WELL-BEING
Hochschild Safety 2.0
The second iteration of our multi-faceted plan to embed a safety-first culture across the Group.
Health, safety and wellbeing focus areas
Systematically Managing Risks
Managing health and safety risks is at the centre of our approach to safety and is underpinned by our Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. This management system follows best practice, in line with recognised international practices, and is externally certified to ensure compliance amongst mining units.
In 2024, we received the DNV Level 8 Occupational Health and Safety Management System rating, becoming the first mining company to obtain it, reflecting our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest safety standards. You can find the Inmaculada and San José DNV ISRS Certificates here.
To ensure a safe working environment, we implement a systematic risk management approach, supported by our Occupational Health and Safety Management System. In 2023, we carried out internal audits which were conducted by internal Hochschild-trained auditors. Our OHS Management System applies to all sites, Hochschild employees and contractors.
Investigating and Learning
All Incidents are investigated promptly and appropriate response measures were implemented. We remain committed to health and safety by continuing to promote the improvement of all activities and assess the potential occurrence of HPEs. In the event of an HPE occurring, our CEO leads a meeting with the
COO and all the Operational Unit Managers to review the internal investigation. In this meeting, the root causes are discussed, and control actions are reinforced at the corporate level to share the lessons learned with the entire organisation.
During 2023, six HPEs were evaluated. We continue to work to reduce this number of HPEs to zero through a range of initiatives:
- We improved the fatigue control system installed in all our buses and 4x4 pickup trucks in Peru to enhance road safety in the transportation of personnel between cities and mine sites. This system collects data analysed through a business intelligence dashboard to predict potential incidents.
- Our Peruvian and Argentinian operations implemented a smartwatch/wristband for all personnel who operate heavy machinery. This smartwatch/ wristband monitors sleep time to prevent fatigue at work which can increase the risk of incidents.
Occupational Health and Safely
We ensure the safety of employees at our operations via stringent controls, training and prevention programmes. Our workers are encouraged to remove themselves from work situations that they believe could cause injury or illness. These decisions are protected by a well-established “right to refuse or stop unsafe work” policy. We also foster a "no blame" culture, to encourage our workers to report hazards or hazardous situations. The Safety HOC app is a valuable tool for reporting and ensuring appropriate follow-up measures are taken.
Across all of our mining units, we convene joint management-worker safety committees, where members are elected by all personnel. These committees meet monthly to review health and safety developments and incident investigations, as well as approve the annual safety plan, training plan and internal regulations.
We commit to providing an integrated approach to employee welfare, supporting our people's health and wellbeing and ultimately, improving employee motivation and productivity. To achieve this, we have dedicated teams of health and hygiene professionals at all mines, and medical facilities equipped to provide regular consultations, as well as emergencies. Hazards and risks related with health and hygiene are identified, assessed and controls established when necessary.
Health and Safety Indicators
The 2023 results of the Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate (LTIFR) will be independently assured by EY Peru following the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000. Our official certificate of the 2023 verification can be found here.
| Indicator | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fatal accidents | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Accidents leading to an absence of one day or more | 21 | 29 | 22 | 19 | 20 | 35 | 55 | 47 | 42* | 76* |
| LTIFR1 | 0.99 | 1.37 | 1.26 | 1.38 | 1.05 | 1.74 | 2.69 | 2.2 | 1.85* | 3.07* |
| Accident Severity Index2 | 37 | 93 | 676 | 474 | 54 | 930 | 1,264 | 136 | 112 | 149 |
* Includes accidents and injuries reported by the Main Contractor and Subcontractors at the Inmaculada Project.
1 Calculated as total number of accidents per million labour hours.
2 Calculated as total number of days lost per million labour hours.
| Indicator | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average number of medical attendances at Peruvian operations and at San José per month | 2,277 | 2,495 | 2,769 | 2,478 | 2,973 | 3,498 | 3,449 | 4,323 | 3,964 | 4,695 | 2,614 | 3,376 |
| Average number of work-related incidents requiring medical attention at Peruvian operations and at San José per month | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 14 | 18 |
| Average number of occupational health examinations at the Group’s Peruvian operations | 226 | 213 | 121 | 112** | 553 | 487 | 433 | 367 | 283* | 507 | 475 | 441 |
* The number of occupational health examinations decreased due to the conclusion of construction of the Inmaculada project
**The Covid pandemic resulted in the implementation of emergency measures by the Peruvian Government which prevented health examinations from being carried out for most of the year
Number of employees trained in 2023
|
|
Trained in safety |
Trained in general |
|
Peru |
1372 |
1480 |
|
Argentina |
- |
946 |
|
Brazil |
- |
51 |
Average hours per employee spent on safety training in 2023
|
|
Safety training |
Technical training |
|
Peru |
1.04 |
0.3 |
|
Argentina |
0.42 |
7.66 |
|
Brazil |
7.39 |
1.25 |
In 2023, all company employees have invested a total of 41,504 hours in health and safety training, and 72,503 hours in training overall.