March 20, 2020
PAO Severstal, one of the world’s leading steel and steel-related mining
companies, provides the following update set of measures in response to the
global COVID-19 pandemic. While Severstal’s operations are functioning as
usual, the continued health and safety of all our employees is our absolute
priority.
Severstal is strictly following recommendations issued by the Government of
the Russian Federation and the regional authorities regarding preventive and
other measures to help minimise the spread of COVID-19 and keep our employees
safe. To minimise risk to all employees at this time, Severstal has introduced
a number of necessary measures to prevent and safe from the pandemic.
These include:
- Establishment of a special committee responsible for monitoring the latest
developments concerning the global spread of the virus; - Restrictions on business travel abroad and recommendations to reduce such
trips as much as possible on the territory of Russia; - Mandatory sanitation and disinfection at all premises;
- Employee temperature checking on arrival at work;
- Discontinuation of mandatory entrance breathalyser checks at Company sites
from 17 March, alternative procedures with a lower risk of spreading infection
have been adopted; - Suspension of all organised activities and meetings involving 20 people or
more; - Requesting colleagues returning from abroad to work from home for a period
of 14 days where possible; in other cases employees are relieved of their work
duties for a period of 14 days, and compensated based on average earnings; - Remote working, where possible;
- Implementation of enhanced hygiene and cleaning measures;
- Distribution of enhanced health and safety hygiene advice to all
employees.
The Company recognises that the global situation creates uncertainty for
everyone. To ensure transparency in its prevention strategy, Severstal has
increased its internal communications to employees, and is offering support and
advice to individuals on how to minimise risk to themselves and their families.
The Company also strongly encourages employees to consider their own health and
safety in taking all necessary precautions, and crucially not to come to work
with a fever or any other symptoms.
Alexander Shevelev, CEO of Severstal, commented:
“In this most unprecedented situation, our first priority is our employees,
and ensuring we help to minimise any risk to their health. As this is a rapidly
evolving situation, we are continuing to monitor its development, will promptly
react and will be ready to launch a new set of measures if necessary.”