HZL SDR 2017-18

Health & Well-being

People are our prime assets and it is our responsibility to protect their health. Along with this responsibility it is also basic business prudence. Occupational ill health leads to decreased productivity and increased human error, with the potential for increased accidents at work, thereby, creating occupational hazard. All occupational diseases can be prevented by providing a workplace that is free from occupational health risk and hygiene hazard. Hence, we strive to provide our employees with a clean, healthy, and safe working environment that enhances their productivity and well-being.

Healthy employees make a healthy organisation. For us, people are not mere assets to enhance our business growth, but partners in our journey towards attaining sustainable growth. They are also one of the key indicators of the effectiveness of our sustainability strategies. Hence, their overall health and wellness is one of our key parameters and we undertake initiatives and programmes that address their health concerns and augment their well-being.

Health Management

Given the importance of minimising health related risks in the growth of the Company, we have put in place processes to monitor and manage the health of our employees. One of the important steps in creating an engaging workforce is having employees with healthy minds and bodies. At HZL, we focus on a holistic approach to health management, which includes periodic health check-ups, workplace hygiene, protective equipment and training to raise awareness. A pre-employment medical check-up is followed by periodic check-ups post employment along with other onsite tests to keep track of every employee's occupational exposure limits.

During the year

26,480

periodic and initial medical examinations conducted for employees and contract employees.

None of our permanent and contract employees were identified to be at risk of any kind of occupational diseases during the reporting period.

All our employees, both permanent and contract are provided with personal protective gears, which they are expected to use at all times.

We also have dedicated occupational health centres established at all major mine and smelter locations, which are well equipped with the latest technology and staffed with occupational health experts to prevent and treat employees' health concerns.

Snapshot of Health Management at HZL

Health Centres and Health Check-ups

Workplace Hygiene

Protection Equipment

Health Training and Awareness

Detailed below are measures we undertake on a regular basis to ensure good health and well-being of our people.

100% periodic medical examinations of all relevant employees
Well-equipped occupational health centres for regular health examination of employees including contract employees
Regular monitoring of ambient air at workplace. Air parameters are maintained below the permissible limits
Training for first aid and occupational health awareness for employees, including contract employees
Specific examinations like blood lead level, audiometric, spirometry, ophthalmic and chest x-rays
Special campaigns for stress management, bone density tests, hypertension for employees and dependents
Pneumatic conveying of fine dust to prevent secondary emission
Dry Fog System in raw material handling section
Appropriate filter media and bag filter design for hygiene and ventilation system
Emphasising on controlling the source of pollution and monitoring exposure to hazardous substances through technologically advanced processes

INITIATIVE

Insight

A new initiative “Insight” was launched to motivate and rejuvenate employees by touching upon the finer points of life. As the name suggests an insight helps to discover one's inner happiness and bring out the best in all of us. Under this new initiative, every quarter, renowned motivational speakers and celebrities share insights about life.

Renowned actor, Mr. Ashish Vidyarthi was the first speaker. He adopted the theme “Zinda Hoon Main”, to address employees about breaking the routine and discovering their uniqueness. This session was webcast live on HZL's Facebook page, and garnered an overwhelming participation of 100,000 viewers. In the second session Shri Gaurgopal Das, motivational speaker and lifestyle coach, addressed the audience in his witty style, on how happiness and being successful is a choice. The interaction reached out to 500 employees.

In the future sessions, the audience will interact with different celebrities on topics ranging from spirituality, philosophy, strengths and failures to opportunities and relationships.

INITIATIVE

V-Fitness

This is a pan-Vedanta wellness initiative undertaken with a commitment to promote healthier lifestyle choices amongst the employees. With a commitment to promote health and wellness among all our employees, through this initiative we drive different themes related to health and fitness by organising a number of programmes throughout the year.

A fitness calendar is rolled out to enable employees to choose from a variety of health and fitness activities, which are carried out by the business unit representatives. During this reporting period, V-Fitness Calendar included activities such as Healthy Heart, Eat Smart, Get Active, Ergonomics, Happiness, Lifestyle and Women's Health. Eminent specialists from the respective fields are invited to impart their knowledge to the employees.

Apart from these activities business units continue to drive other wellness activities as per their timelines.

Work-Life Balance

In order to encourage work-life balance we have created world-class infrastructure such as the Executive Club, gymnasium, badminton court, swimming pool, golf course and more, at all our units.

We also organise team outings, movie screenings, cricket and football tournaments and activities such as Monsoon Mania, Kavi Sammelan and Art of Living. These activities also give them a chance to interact with employees from other locations.

SLIM Campaign

Hindustan Zinc & Nasofilters carried out a week long SLIM (Save Lungs India Movement) campaign for its employees at Debari, Dariba and Chanderiya sites.

SLIM used Nasofilters, a non-inserted, hypo-allergenic and self-adhering nanotechnology based nasal filter, which prevents harmful effects of bacteria, viral infections and tiny suspended dust particles. It is a convenient and effective disposable nasal filter which helps prevent respiratory diseases, heart and lung related problems.

Integrated Health & Wellness Initiative | HZL, Agucha

Employee health and well-being is our prime responsibility, and we work towards empowering our employees to pursue a healthier lifestyle.

HZL decided to partner with an expert health and wellness service provider to overcome challenges and improve the health and well-being of the employees at Agucha. A leading provider of primary and occupational healthcare services, was selected to foster a culture of health and wellness, thereby, positively impacting the overall health of the entire workforce. In addition, following are the key objectives for undertaking this initiative:

Improvement of physical infrastructure and medical equipment at the hospital
Deployment of additional requisite medical resources onsite including X-ray technicians, and visits by dieticians, physiotherapists and specialists such as gynaecologist, paediatrician, cardiologist, ENT and orthopaedic specialist.
Set up a state-of-the-art pathology lab
Establish a robust medical emergency response plan
Health & wellness workshops on diet and nutrition, physical fitness, mental health along with seasonal illnesses and lifestyle diseases

This has increased the overall performance of Occupational Health Management system at Rampura Agucha Mine.