HSE
HSE: Definition and History
HSE stands for Health, Safety, and Environment. It represents a field focused on establishing standards and regulations concerning safety, health, and environmental protection. HSE is a discipline within engineering that primarily aims to reduce occupational accidents and diseases.
While HSE initially aimed to protect human safety, equipment, and the environment, it has progressively expanded its scope to encompass broader objectives. Modern HSE goals include sustainable development, continuous improvement, and optimization within workplace environments.
History of HSE
The concept of HSE emerged in the United States in 1973. One of the earliest HSE standards was set by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), which was established in the U.S. in 1972. OSHA gained attention for improving employee health and safety, enhancing performance, and optimizing maintenance costs in industries.
In 1984, a comprehensive Environmental Management System (EMS) was developed to oversee and manage industrial and environmental activities. This system aids contractors in creating better environmental, health, and safety conditions for employees and others.
In 1995, the European Union introduced the OHSAS (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series) standards. This system monitored employee productivity, safety, and health, as well as workplace and environmental conditions. In 2018, OHSAS was replaced by ISO 45001, which is used as a management system for occupational health and safety.
HSE in Iran
By 2023, occupational health, safety, and environmental concerns became critical issues in Iran. Observing problems such as air pollution, occupational injuries, and workplace accidents, these topics have gained significant importance in the country.
Summary of HSE Definition
HSE refers to a set of principles, processes, and criteria aimed at protecting health and safety in the workplace and safeguarding the environment during industrial and commercial activities. The primary goal of HSE is to prevent workplace accidents, protect individuals’ health, and mitigate negative environmental impacts.
HSE in Industry and Mining
With the advancement of industry and mining, and the increasing role of machinery in daily operations, organizations face new and ongoing challenges regarding health, safety, and the environment. Companies encounter substantial financial losses due to accidents, work-related diseases, and environmental pollution. As key drivers of the national economy in terms of employment, production, exports, and productivity, industrial and mining sectors face significant obstacles due to these issues. Therefore, it is logical for organizations to integrate health, safety, and environmental management alongside other management aspects such as quality, economic, financial, and technological considerations, as overall organizational performance cannot improve without addressing these areas.
To address these needs, an HSE framework has been established for companies, industries, and mines. This framework aims to minimize harm to people, equipment, and the environment. In essence, HSE management is a tool for controlling and improving health, safety, and environmental conditions across all industrial development programs or organizational structures.
In any work environment, the HSE management system must align with environmental conditions, types of activities, and potential hazards. HSE is an integrated system that aims to create a healthy, pleasant, and incident-free environment through the synergy of human resources, facilities, and equipment. The HSE management system is part of the overall management system of an organization and follows the Deming Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act). Major global oil companies such as BP, Shell, Total, and ADNOC, as well as Iran’s Ministry of Oil, utilize HSE management models.
Introduction to the Unit
Copper is one of the metals that has been widely used over the years. Over 85% of the world’s copper is obtained through mining. The Talashgaran Kimia Sanat Iranian Mineral Company (Private Joint Stock) is a mining and industrial complex specializing in the extraction of copper ore and the processing of copper concentrate. Established on August 27, 2015, under registration number 478129 at the Tehran Companies Registration Office, the company focuses on exploratory assessment, extraction planning, processing studies, and the construction of a flotation plant at the Mohammadabad Delijan copper and iron mine.
The HSE unit of Talashgaran Kimia Sanat Iranian Mineral Company was established in late 2019. It has integrated environmental protection, safety, and employee health into its organizational culture, emphasizing environmental conservation and the enhancement of employee safety and health.
In line with the belief that properly planned and executed work can prevent all accidents, the company aims to be a leading organization nationally by adhering to global standards. The key objectives of the HSE management system include:
- Creating a healthy work environment
- Full compliance with all national and international HSE regulations and requirements
- Preserving the environment, optimizing resource and energy use, and continuously reducing environmental pollution
- Preventing injuries and illnesses, reducing accidents, and managing and controlling workplace risks and hazards
- Rejecting performance levels other than zero harm
- Ensuring all employees are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities in safety, health, and environmental matters and are adequately prepared for their tasks
- Aligning employees with assigned tasks
- Involving all stakeholders, including employees, clients, contractors, etc., in the continuous improvement of the HSE management system
- Creating a drug-free work environment
- Developing an HSE culture and achieving a proactive approach to HSE
- Continuously improving safety, health, and environmental performance to ensure the overall success of Talashgaran Kimia Sanat Iranian Mineral Company in its business operations.
Actions Taken by the HSE Unit
- Identifying, assessing, and controlling risks in the industrial sector of the complex
- Identifying, assessing, and controlling risks in the mining sector
- Identifying, assessing, and controlling environmental aspects
- Conducting initial assessments of harmful factors in the mining and industrial sectors
- Measuring harmful factors in the mining and industrial sectors
- Performing seasonal self-reporting environmental monitoring
- Conducting periodic, pre-employment, and specific medical examinations of personnel
- Obtaining health certifications for machinery and equipment in the complex
- Providing pre-employment training and on-the-job training, and organizing other training courses as needed
- Preparing instructions, regulations, and procedures suited to the organization’s various activities
- Preparing MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for chemicals in the complex
- Implementing a work permit system for all hazardous activities, including blasting, confined space work, working at heights, working with high voltage electricity, etc.