Health and Safety
Driving progress toward a better workplace
Nothing is more important than the health, safety and wellbeing of people and communities. International Copper Association members drive progress toward better and safer workplaces, including the digitalization and automation of many aspects of copper mining, new skill development for employees and rolling out a comprehensive assurance framework addressing all major Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) issues (the Copper Mark).
As an industry, ICA and its members harness technology to ensure all stakeholders, including workers and communities, receive maximum value. ICA members have established a track record of innovation and progress in the ever-more digital world, applying technological solutions to improve efficiency, safety and sustainability:
- The automation of transport and vehicles raises productivity and protects workers from dangerous tasks.
- Fully digital mines, including the latest mobile technology, reduce emissions while improving safety and emergency response capabilities.
- Implementing innovative technologies combats safety risks, such as worker fatigue.
The industry’s workers are its greatest resource, and their skills are central to its success.
- ICA members invest in developing the skills of the future workforce through school programs, while dedicating substantial resources to the workers of today through training and community development initiatives.
- Even during a global crisis, ICA members have provided remote access to education for school children who may otherwise have been left behind. As technology progresses and the demands for skilled labor increase, member companies are committed to providing their employees the tools needed to succeed while expanding access to education in local communities to prepare the next generation.
ICA members are committed to the health, safety and sustainability of workers and communities. The copper industry has rolled out an assurance framework to distinguish responsibly produced copper, the Copper Mark. Developed in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 (“ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”), the Copper Mark guarantees fair treatment of workers, local community development and respect for the environment between upstream and downstream partners, including the Ford Motor Company, FLSmidth, Google, Intel, Weiland Group and more. ICA members recognize credibility is essential to public trust, and the Copper Mark embodies this commitment.
Featured Resources
Futuresmart Mining™ at Anglo American’s Quellaveco Mine: Smart, Safe and Sustainable
At Quellaveco, Anglo American is building a larger mine with a smaller footprint. Quellaveco, translated…
Every Bit Counts: Markus Lends Laboratory Help at Skellefteå Hospital
In northern Sweden, Markus Nordqvist of Boliden sprang into action to help Skellefteå Hospital’s chemical…
Copper Producers Step Up During COVID-19 Crisis
Since the onset of the coronavirus, ICA’s global members have exercised agility, innovation and collaboration…
Technical Guidance for the Classification of Copper Metal Under the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)
This report serves as a technical resource describing the hazard classification of copper metal according to the 8th Revised Edition of the GHS guidance (UN, 2019). It is intended to help guide regulators and industry groups by providing endpoint-specific hazard classifications that are based on the best available science, along with justifications that outline the classification decision-making process.