The main goal of the VGK is to reduce deaths to zero in production. In an industry where the risk of injury is traditionally high, the company is relying not on new paper instructions, but on profound changes in the behavior of each employee.
The impetus for the transformation was recent tragedies. VGK General Director Maxim Kuzemchenko admitted that previous targeted measures are not enough. “Every worker must return home safe and sound. This is not a slogan, but the only acceptable outcome,” he said, commenting on the launch of the project.
The new rules are simple and strict:
- Any employee not only can, but is obliged to slow down the process if he notices a threat to life. No fines for stopping – human life is more valuable than any plan.
- Risk communication is the norm, not snitching. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief has strengthened the system for collecting danger signals in order to eliminate the causes rather than punish the perpetrators. The more risks can be identified at an early stage, the fewer tragedies there will be – this is confirmed by world experience.
“Red lines” have been introduced – a list of actions that cannot be violated under any circumstances. The most severe sanctions will follow for crossing them. At the same time, safety has become part of the material motivation: if you notice a threat, you will receive an incentive; if you ignore it, you will lose the bonus.
Management at all levels, up to top management, regularly visits sites. Leaders must see the situation firsthand, talk to people, and understand the reasons for the risks.
The education system has been completely rebuilt. Instead of one-time training, there are three stages: workers learn to recognize and eliminate hazards in their places; line managers – act in emergency situations; top management – safety leadership. The classes are based on real cases from production. In addition, an AI-based digital pass for hazardous work is being introduced: only those who pass an independent exam will gain access. A full audit of the entire labor protection system according to international standards will be carried out by a third-party accredited auditor (his name will be announced later).
The company already has a serious backlog. Over the past year, we carried out about 1.3 thousand audits and more than a thousand measures to eliminate risks. The “Don’t Hide It” movement is in effect: every incident is dealt with openly, using the “5 Whys” method to get to the root cause, rather than punishing the effect.
The technical base is being strengthened. More than 300 units of equipment were equipped with automatic fire extinguishing systems, and three open fire detection systems were installed. 333 points are monitored daily, and coal temperature is regularly measured at 260 points. We updated the fuel storage certificate and prevented six coal fires.
Roads and drivers are under close control. The Antison program monitors the condition of drivers in real time. All equipment is GLONASS enabled, alcohol testing is required. Polymer roads have been built that can withstand heavy vehicles. Artificial intelligence helps you analyze data and make decisions faster.
In 2026 on labor protection and industrial safety VGK will allocate more than 243 million rubles. The company proves that only when each employee feels personal responsibility, and management puts life above the plan, does a dangerous industry become safe.
Source: Eastern Mining Company
Image: Eastern Mining Company
