OREANDA-NEWS. Uralkali has received certification for its compliance with the requirements of the OHSAS 18001 international standard (Russian State Standard — GOST R 54934-2012), relating to the Company’s health and safety management system.

The certification demonstrates that the Company has an effective industrial safety management system and adopts a comprehensive approach to labour protection issues.

Stanislav Seleznev, Health, Safety and Environment Director at Uralkali, commented:

“Reducing the number of work-related injuries and ensuring zero fatalities at Uralkali’s production sites is one of the Company’s main priorities. Our compliance with the requirements of this international health and safety standard is an important step in the development of the Company’s production culture.”

Uralkali’s systematic approach to industrial safety and strict adherence to labour protection rules is already demonstrating results. In the past five years, the number of workplace injuries has more than halved from 38 accidents in 2011 to 18 in 2015.

Last year, Uralkali expanded the number of employees responsible for compliance with mining safety rules.

All of the Company’s employees are provided with functional and comfortable uniforms, tools and protective equipment. The Company regularly carries out medical examinations, workplace assessments and training sessions for employees.

In addition to the requirements of the relevant regulations, Uralkali Group applies its own internal standards. The Cardinal Rules of Employee Safety take into account the specifics of production activities.

In 2015, the Company spent over RUB 1 billion on health and safety measures.

Uralkali is one of the world’s largest potash producers and exporters. The Company’s assets consist of 5 mines and 7 ore-treatment mills situated in the towns of Berezniki and Solikamsk (Perm Region, Russia). Uralkali employs ca.11,000 people (in the main production unit). Uralkali’s shares are traded on the Moscow Exchange.