Safe and Inclusive Value Chain
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Occupational Health and Safety
Occupational Health and Safety
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is one of the highest priorities at Akçansa.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is one of Akçansa’s top priorities. Guided by our people-centric management approach, we are committed to ensuring the highest standards of physical, mental, and social well-being for our employees while maintaining a safe and secure working environment. Preventing workplace accidents and occupational diseases stands as one of our core principles. We see the timely identification of potential risks and the continuous improvement of our processes as integral components of our OHS culture.
At Akçansa, we implement the ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System effectively across all our areas of operation. In 2024, our primary OHS objective was aligned with our “Zero Accidents, One Life” approach, which aims to eliminate workplace accidents entirely and foster a culture of safety.
* (Fatal Accident + Lost Time Accident + Accident with Medical Intervention) / 1,000,000 Working Hours
** Absence Due to Accident / Total Working Hours * 1,000,000
In this context, we put the safety and well-being of our employees at the forefront, organizing comprehensive training programs and awareness activities to embed OHS principles throughout the organization.
To monitor the effectiveness of our OHS strategies and policies, we use both leading and lagging indicators. Leading indicators include near-miss reports, risk notifications, safety dialogues, and annually developed OHS action plans. These metrics allow us to proactively identify potential risks and implement preventive measures. Lagging indicators, on the other hand, are based on actual incidents and include key performance measures such as the number of lost-time injuries, lost-time injury frequency rate, and lost workday rate.
When accounting for both Akçansa employees and subcontractor workers, we observed a decline in the frequency of injury-related incidents and the lost workday rate compared to the previous year. Specifically, the lost workday rate dropped from 44.1 in 2023 to 21.6 in 2024, reflecting a 51% improvement.
In line with our goal of creating a safe and healthy working environment, we have built our Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management system on key pillars such as risk assessment, control measures, awareness-raising, inspections, and employee engagement. We conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential workplace hazards and develop preventive measures accordingly. Based on these assessments, we implement corrective and preventive actions that aim to eliminate risks and strengthen workplace safety.
We promote employee participation in the development of OHS processes. The OHS Committee, established within Akçansa, plays an active role in improving occupational health and safety. This committee is responsible for policy development, risk management, and monitoring the effectiveness of implementations. Employee feedback and suggestions are regularly reviewed by the committee and incorporated into the relevant processes. OHS Boards, composed of representatives from different departments, provide platforms through which employees can communicate their views and proposals. In this way, we enable employees to actively participate in OHS processes through open communication channels and feedback mechanisms, further enhancing the impact of our safety practices.
To ensure the continuous improvement of our OHS management system, we conduct regular internal and external audits. Internal audits are performed in a structured manner to assess the effectiveness of OHS policies, identify areas for improvement, and swiftly implement necessary measures. External audits, carried out by independent organizations, validate our compliance with ISO 45001 standards. In 2024, all Akçansa sites successfully renewed their ISO 45001 certifications through audits conducted by BSI and TÜV Rheinland. Findings from these audits were used effectively to eliminate non-conformities and further enhance workplace safety conditions.
To maintain emergency preparedness, we reinforce our emergency plans with regular drills, enabling rapid and effective responses to potential hazards. Additionally, we support the physical well-being of our employees through regular health screenings and specialized wellness programs.
At Akçansa, our managers also assume active field responsibility in ensuring workplace safety. Throughout the year, all department managers are required to conduct Safety Dialogues at designated sites. These dialogues aim to foster visible leadership, observe real-time safety conditions, identify risks, and directly engage with employees, thereby reinforcing our company-wide safety culture.
For Executive Committee Members, it is mandatory to participate in at least one full-day OHS field visit per year, while department managers carry out periodic fieldwork and Safety Dialogues at six different locations designated by the OHS Directorate. Prior to these visits, the OHS Directorate provides managers with detailed briefings on the required safety checks and discussion points. All findings identified during these Safety Dialogues are logged into the system and shared with upper management.
Meetings held in 2024
To enhance the safety awareness and competency levels of our employees and subcontractors, we organize regular training sessions and implement various projects to reinforce occupational health and safety (OHS) awareness. In 2024, Akçansa employees received a total of 43,010 hours of OHS training, while subcontractor employees received 27,531 hours. As a result, the average number of OHS training hours per person was calculated as 25.5.
| Period | Number of Planned Meetings | Number of Realized Meetings | Rate of Completion |
Period 1 | 48 | 43 | %90 |
Period 2 | 52 | 46 | %88 |
Period 3 | 52 | 46 | %88 |
Period 4 | 52 | 44 | %85 |
Period 5 | 52 | 43 | %83 |
Period 6 | 52 | 42 | %81 |
Employee Trainings
In 2024, provided 43,010 hours of OHS training to Akçansa employees.
We provide all our employees with foundational knowledge and skills through general OHS training programs, and for those working in high-risk areas, we offer tailored training to ensure they possess the necessary competencies to perform their tasks safely.
In 2024, we facilitated easy access to up-to-date OHS knowledge through digital training platforms. Aligned with our “Zero Accidents, One Life” target, we launched safety culture development programs to enhance employees’ risk perception and promote a stronger safety mindset. One of the key initiatives in this context was the successful implementation of the “10 Golden Rules” training, specifically designed for our field teams. In addition, digital OHS training modules and AFAD Light Search and Rescue Trainings played a vital role in boosting the overall safety of our employees and operational sites.
Subcontractor Trainings
We implement comprehensive OHS programs to ensure that subcontractor employees work in a safe and healthy environment.
Through these training programs, we aim to improve both the awareness and knowledge levels of subcontractor employees. To further support safety and health management capabilities, we offer internationally recognized IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) and NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) certification programs specifically for subcontractor managers.
As part of our driving safety initiatives, we conduct psychotechnical evaluations for heavy vehicle drivers, making these tests mandatory for all new recruits. We also continue to enhance road safety through GPS and camera systems installed on vehicles. Furthermore, we regularly monitor subcontractor compliance with OHS standards through our “Visitor” software platform, ensuring alignment with Akçansa’s health and safety expectations.
| OHS Training | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
Akçansa OHS Training Hours | 29,759 | 61,676 | 43,010 |
Subcontractor OHS Training Hours | 22,250 | 28,900 | 27,531 |
Total OHS Training Hours | 52,009 | 90,576 | 70,541 |
OHS Training Hours per Person | 19 | 23 | 25.5 |
Occupational Health and Safety Activities Conducted in 2024
Within the scope of the “Zero Accidents, One Life” project, we organized training sessions on the Golden Rules and conducted assessments across all our plants to foster a strong safety culture. As part of these efforts, 35 employees participated in safety coaching training, and we continue to conduct regular safety observation dialogues.
We launched a two-year safety culture development program aimed at achieving zero accidents. As part of this program, we evaluated employees’ risk perception and delivered targeted safety coaching training.
We equipped 229 mobile equipment at our Ready-Mixed Concrete (RMC) sites with GPS and camera systems. In addition, we began using the VisitPro software to more effectively monitor subcontractors’ legal compliance. We also enhanced our driving safety processes by defining clear criteria for Driver Competency Assessments.
Through Search and Rescue Trainings, Digital Academy content, and IOSH Safety Management Trainings, we focused on strengthening our employees’ OHS competencies. Moreover, we analyzed Employee Risk Perception Studies and integrated the insights into our recruitment processes.
Our achievements in the OHS field were recognized with three awards in the “OHS Value Creators Competition” organized by the Cement Industry Employers’ Association (ÇEİS). Our Ladik plant has maintained a “zero lost-time accident” record for five consecutive years. Additionally, we continued improving our processes through Accident and Action Plan Workshops conducted with the participation of all our managers. We also successfully renewed our ISO 45001 certification following a successful audit.
We celebrated Health and Safety Week across all our sites. The Central Emergency Management Plan draft was brought to the finalization stage. The virtual Health and Safety Meeting, led by our General Manager and supported by the active participation of employees, further strengthened our safety culture.
Occupational Health and Safety Week
Through general OHS training, we provide all our employees with essential knowledge and skills.
At Akçansa, we organize a variety of activities every year during Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Week as part of our commitment to fostering a safe and healthy working environment. Between September 23–27, 2024, we marked OHS Week under the theme “Zero Accidents, One Life” by conducting trainings, audits, and workshops aimed at raising awareness among our employees and strengthening a culture of safety across our operations.
Throughout all our locations, we carried out safety walks, emergency drills, periodic health screenings, digital training sessions, and site inspections, reinforcing the collective understanding that workplace safety is a top priority.
At Akçansa, we are committed to meticulously managing all processes to ensure the highest level of employee safety and to build a sustainable occupational health and safety culture. With a focus on continuous improvement, we will continue to advance our efforts in this essential area. With general OHS training, all our employees are provided with basic knowledge and skills.
Legal Disclaimer
Akçansa 2024 Integrated Annual Report (‘Report’) has been prepared by Akçansa Çimento Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (‘Akçansa’). The scenario analyses aligned with TSRS, the financial materiality studies, and all assessments related to physical and transition risks stemming from climate change—prepared by Akçansa—are based on the company's data, calculations, expert opinions, and compliance with national and international standards. Akçansa Çimento Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. shall not be held responsible for any losses or damages that may arise should third parties or entities rely on these assumptions.
