This year marked Severstal Metiz's debut as a contester. The company's team submitted best practices in occupational health and safety management that have been implemented in the companies of Metiz Group over the past couple of years. One of the highlights was the introduction of electronic Lockout/Tagout systems. These devices operate based on an electronic employee pass access only to the equipment assigned to a particular employee. Moreover, they drastically reduce the time required for the shift handover of keys and tags.

Additionally, Severstal-metiz shared its achievements in the creation of safer workplace conditions and implementation of injury prevention systems. Thus, technical safety barriers and speed control systems for workshop vehicles. To improve workplace safety and protection from accidents accounted for human error, crane and forklift safety lights and Gobo projections for indicating pedestrian paths and hazardous crossroads both inside and outside the workshop.

The judges took notice of the innovative employee motivation approach. Since 2023, the engineering and blue-collar staff within Severstal-metiz Group has been receiving rewards for observing industrial safety rules, stopping colleagues’ dangerous actions, eliminating hazards and thus preventing accidents. As reported in 2024, 86 % of the employees were rewarded. Positive reinforcement creates a positive work environment, leading to the employees’ increased efficiency and loyalty.

"Our goal is to ensure all of our employees are confident about their safety so that they can focus entirely on their tasks. We believe that every workplace should be safe and make every effort to minimize risk connected with manufacturing processes. The certificate of recognition of the National Competition for the Best Large Business Organization in Occupational Health and Safety Management confirms that our company is on the right track," said Sergei Kovryakov, the CEO of Severstal-metiz.