Cemex announced yesterday that its operations in the United Kingdom (UK) and Latvia earned prestigious industry awards for their outstanding health and safety (H&S) practices. Cemex UK was awarded the John Crabbe Trophy, the Mineral Products Association’s (MPA) highest honour for H&S.

Cemex Latvia won the Latvian Golden Helmet Award, granted by the State Labour Inspectorate of the Republic of Latvia in recognition of excellent practices in work safety.

In awarding this edition of the John Crabbe Trophy, the jury highlighted Cemex UK’s excellence in four key areas: leadership training with Visible Felt Leadership targets for all managers, health and well-being embedded as a core value, “stepping in” to prevent unsafe behaviour as part of Cemex UK’s culture at all levels and strong contractor management.

In addition to two individual recognitions, Cemex UK’s H&S practices received awards in the following categories: Transport Initiatives, Contractors’ Safety, Engineering Initiatives, Reducing Occupational Road Risk, Occupational Health and Well-being, and Behavioural Safety.

Cemex Latvia was awarded the Golden Helmet Award thanks to its efforts to prevent threats in the workplace and share its experience with other companies. Cemex Latvia’s occupational risk management includes such initiatives as the Near Miss Hazard Alert System or 'risk cards', used by employees to report and identify various risks.

The MPA is the trade association for the aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, dimension stone, lime, mortar and silica sand industries. Through the John Crabbe Trophy, the association aims to inspire and help the industry to achieve the highest standards in health and safety.

The Latvian Golden Helmet Award recognizes companies that implement workplace improvements and protect their employees’ health and safety on a regular basis