Our employees are our most valuable resource. Protecting their health and that of the contractors working at our sites is our top priority. In order to minimize workplace accidents and occupational illnesses, we raise awareness about health issues and deploy prevention measures on a daily basis.
Taking action to prevent occupational illnesses
The impacts of our activities on the health of our employees are not always immediate. Certain health problems, such as musculoskeletal disorders do not become apparent for several years. Only a methodical and multi-disciplinary approach that brings together occupational physicians, hygienists and toxicologists will enable us to fully understand the impacts and implement appropriate preventive measures.
In line with the Health, Safety and Environment management systems in place within the Group, our health guidelines set out our guiding principles:
- Identifying potential impacts.
- Assessing the risks according to each specific workplace situation.
- Defining action plans.
Under our guidelines, a Health & Hygiene coordinator is appointed at each site and is tasked with:
- Ensuring that a system of preventive health care, and protection and promotion of occupational health is implemented at the site.
- Coordinating activities with various stakeholders from the Health, Safety and Environment network or human resources.
- Documenting all preventive health care initiatives.
- Reporting occupational illnesses.
This approach aims to ensure the continuous improvement of our health risk management process.
Employee Health Observatory
In support of our health policy and to supplement the periodic medical checkup system already in place and organized by Group medical staff, an Employee Health Observatory was set up in 2009.
It is tasked with establishing health indicators for long-term monitoring of any potential medical conditions that could affect employees, using a population-based approach. This enables us to quickly identify the emergence of health problems and, where applicable, suggest and oversee appropriate preventive measures.
By the end of 2015, around 13% of employees worldwide across all our operations and of all ages and backgrounds had anonymously taken part in this program, thereby providing a representative sample of our different business segments and professions, at both an administrative and operational level.
The scope of the Observatory is currently being widened to include countries other than France.
Monitoring our employees' health
We provide medical checkups for almost all of our employees. Some affiliates have in-house health services, while medical monitoring for employees at smaller sites around the world is provided by external health centers selected by physicians in our International Medical Department. Our physicians conduct regular audits of our partner health facilities in our host countries.
Ensuring the quality of the medical resources available to our employees is one of the principles of the global agreement that we signed with IndustriALL Global Union in January 2015. This international trade union federation represents more than 50 million employees in 140 countries in the energy, mining and manufacturing sectors.
A long-standing medical center in Gabon
Since 1973, our Gabonese affiliate has offered its employees and suppliers extensive medical care at its medical and emergency center, where nearly 6,000 people are now registered patients. They benefit from amenities including emergency and long-term care facilities, operating theaters, delivery and resuscitation rooms, maternity wards, radiology services and consultations.
The center also has an occupational health department and treats diseases targeted by national programs, such as tuberculosis and HIV.
The center is located close to the Akosso district, which is easily accessible by all employees due to its proximity to the logistics base, the senior management offices and the production facilities, and its excellent road links.
