Zero Harm
We prioritize safety globally through our Zero Harm standards and our commitment to continuous improvement. Safety is embedded in our corporate culture, and we work diligently 24/7 to ensure the protection of our people and those who use or interact with our products. Our Global Code of Business Conduct guides our actions to ensure we do the right thing by acting ethically, fairly, and with integrity.Committing to a Zero Harm culture
Zero Harm reflects our conviction that every incident is preventable through changing behaviors. We address Zero Harm through a focus on safe people, safe spaces, and safe systems.
Safe people
• SafeStart: A behavioral-based safety awareness and skills development system • Rate Your State: A peer-to-peer program to build & sustain safety-minded behaviors • Safety observations and accident reporting shared with all regions
Safe spaces
• Clearly defined responsibilities and authority to stop work for safety concerns • Visual management tools to clearly communicate and simplify processes • Standardized global signage and color coding to easily identify safety risksSafe systems
• Hardie Manufacturing Operating System (HMOS) to discuss concerns and solutions • Annual audits and reviews to inform improvement around critical safety risks • Safety Steering Committees and weekly safety meetings at global, regional and local levelsFY24 Zero Harm highlights
Our global emphasis on sharing safety concerns and looking out for our colleagues is driving a culture shift across our operations.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Tracking safety performance
In FY24, we reduced our global DART (Days away from work, restricted work activity or job transfer) rate. In North America, we added new equipment lockouts and other safety equipment, focusing on the interface between workers and machines. In Asia Pacific, we held stop events to encourage conversations after experiencing an incident. In Europe, we invested in training and increased awareness, recording an 80% reduction in the DART rate since FY19, when James Hardie purchased fermacell®.
SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION
Zero Harm Safety Month
In October 2023, James Hardie hosted the inaugural Zero Harm Safety Month with the theme “Safety Leadership Starts with Me.” We hosted 33 events across North America, Asia Pacific and Europe, engaging more than 4,200 employees. Zero Harm Safety Month is now an annual event to prioritize Zero Harm standards and our commitment to continuous improvement.
SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION
Creating a healthier work environment
In Rosehill, Australia, plant manager Hector Castro and his procurement team spearheaded an innovative effort to incorporate three new electric forklifts into manufacturing and distribution. His efforts eliminated worker exposure and to forklift emissions, contributing to a healthier work environment for our employees.
SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION
Investing in safety infrastructure
We are making a significant global investment in safety infrastructure projects. In FY24, we upgraded equipment used when working from heights and installed more than 1,200 machine guards to provide additional protection for our employees and promote risk awareness. We have made progress already in North America and Asia Pacific, and we are continuing to make strides in Europe where we have established the foundation needed to make improvements.
