As part of our corporate sustainability strategy, occupational safety remains our top priority. We are committed to ensuring that every worker returns home in the same condition or better than when they arrived. Our experience has shown that a preventive approach is the most effective way to achieve this. To fully integrate this approach across the company, we are fostering a culture where safety is paramount. With our experience, we have validated that a preventive approach works best to achieve this goal. However, in order to implement and integrate this approach across the entire company, it is important that we foster a culture where occupational safety is the number one priority.
In 2023, we relaunched the near-miss program at our Nicaragua subsidiary, expanding it to the rest of our operations in 2024. This program not only promotes reporting of near misses but also unsafe conditions and acts for thorough investigation and correction. We’ve held several launch sessions to engage employees in strengthening the program and maintaining open communication about reported issues.
Our awareness campaigns, including videos and contests, reinforce the importance of safety. Employee participation in training programs and events like Occupational Safety and Health Day highlights our shared commitment to well-being. While progress continues, we are dedicated to continuously improving our safety practices. In 2024, our OSHA incident rate was 2.28, down from 2.34 in 2023.
Since the implementation of the near-miss programs and unsafe condition reports, I’ve noticed a significant change in how we handle safety. Before, actions were only taken after an accident occurred, but now we are more focused on prevention and not waiting for something to go wrong. Nowadays, safety feels like a team effort. We are more aware of what’s happening around us and know that we can report without fear of being criticized. This has resulted in fewer incidents and has made the workplace safer for everyone?
Alberto Gonzalez, Vista Hermosa I&II employee, Panama.
