Life is precious, whether that of our employees or that of contract workers. To address health and safety issues especially at our project sites we have implemented a range of measures to reinforce a "zero harm" culture in the organization.

In India, Siemens held safety dialogs across the country to engage its contractors in this important area of safety at our project sites. The sessions mostly revolved around site issues, challenges, and priority of safety and health of project site employees. During the interactive sessions, the contractors committed to the importance of quality and safety at all stages and on all sites.

The guidelines for health management functions at Siemens project sites have been clearly defined. The guidelines are in line with the Siemens Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) policy, and comply with statutory requirements at project sites.

In addition, a new contract clause is integrated in all relevant procurement contracts. It requires all contractors to eliminate hazards for the health and safety of the personnel and to conduct risk assessment that analyzes all potential hazards for the health and safety of the personnel arising out of the works and determines measures to eliminate such hazards.

Safety officers, site project managers and engineers are empowered to take all necessary steps to ensure safe working conditions at all times. In case they find a violation of safety conditions by any person working at the site – whether an employee of Siemens or the contractor – they are authorized to stop work with immediate effect.

To address the workers directly, we have issued a photo manual to help contractors work safely at the workplace. The Dos and Don´ts at construction sites are described in a generally understandable way and are to be followed by workers at all times. These photo manuals have been distributed to contractors at our project sites. This will further ensure a safe return after each day at work.