Workers in the value chain

Strategy

METLEN is committed to full compliance with national and European Occupational Health and Safety standards, through the implementation of certified management systems in all its business sectors and its partners. Through strict implementation procedures, trainings and continuous monitoring, it ensures the prevention of risks related to the Health and Safety of its employees, including the employees of its subcontractors. At the same time, METLEN actively promotes the existence of a safe working environment with an emphasis on continuous improvement and accountability throughout its value chain. In the context of the 2024 double materiality assessment, as significant impacts related to the above challenge are:

  • Work-related safety incidents and their consequences
  • Work-related health & safety incidents and their consequences

See more in the  Company's Annual Report 2024.

Governance

METLEN has established a comprehensive governance framework for the management of sustainability issues, which is integrated into the Company's core decision-making and oversight processes. The role of the Management is clearly defined and ensures continuous supervision and strategic guidance on sustainability issues.

In particular, the Sustainable Development Committee, as a committee of the Board of Directors, is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the sustainable development strategy, approving relevant policies and monitoring the Company's ESG performance. The Committee meets regularly and cooperates with the Directorate-General for Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development, which plays a crucial role in coordinating all sustainability issues within the Company. The governance of sustainability issues is supported by specially defined organisational structures, which include teams and sustainability officers in each Business Sector and a key subsidiary. ESG thematic pillar managers work with central and local management teams, ensuring coordination, monitoring progress and providing technical guidance, with the aim of systematically integrating the principles of sustainable development across the Company's range of activities.

At the same time, METLEN applies a systematic due diligence approach to manage actual and potential significant sustainability impacts, risks and opportunities. This approach is based on the international guidelines for responsible business conduct and includes: identification and impact assessment processes, setting targets, action plans, monitoring mechanisms, taking corrective actions, consulting stakeholders and promoting value chain partnerships.

Through these mechanisms, METLEN ensures that sustainability issues are integrated into its business strategy and day-to-day operation, enhancing long-term value creation for all stakeholders.

Impact, Risk & Opportunity Management

All METLEN facilities have dedicated Health and Safety teams that work closely with employees and subcontractors, promoting their active participation in the identification and management of occupational risks. At the same time, regular meetings, inspections and case analyses are held with the aim of continuously improving working conditions. The contracting activities are accompanied by security representatives, who maintain constant communication with the competent departments of the Company. At the same time, a mechanism is provided for the submission of concerns or suggestions by employees, either anonymously or by name, with the aim of enhancing participation with full assurance of their protection. The use of digital platforms and multiple communication channels enhances transparency and prompt response to health and safety issues throughout the Company.

METLEN is committed to a comprehensive framework of actions to prevent and remediate negative impacts related to Health and Safety at work, extending its application to the entire value chain, including employees of partner contractors. The main actions implemented include:

  • Preventive measures and continuous training to maintain an accident prevention mentality, based on internationally recognized standards.
  • A system for identifying and reporting risks through special tools, inspections and a written assessment of occupational risks in each job.
  • Investigation of accidents and recording of incidents in order to identify corrective actions and improve the OHS system.
  • Reporting channels and whistleblowing mechanisms that ensure transparency, protection and prompt response to OHS issues, with discreet and anonymous submission.
  • Annual initiatives and special action plans per Sector (Energy, Metals, subsidiary of METKA SA), which enhance education, improve infrastructure and organize work supervision, ensuring the safety and well-being of all employees.

See more in the  Company's Annual Report 2024.

Metrics and Targets

METLEN sets central annual Occupational Health and Safety goals, integrated into its strategy to promote a safe and healthy working environment. It recognises the importance of protecting not only its employees, but also the employees of its subcontractors, requiring them to comply with high safety standards through contracts. The objectives are divided into absolute (zero accidents,  serious accidents and occupational diseases) and related (LTIR, TRIR), with specific ceilings. These are directly linked to the Group's OHS Policy, which emphasizes prevention and continuous improvement, as well as compliance with legislation. METLEN set the targets based on a risk assessment, historical data, industry best practices, and ISO standard requirements. The targets apply to all the Company's business units and countries of activity and cover all employees and employees of its subcontractors. METLEN's commitment to zero accidents and occupational diseases is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while the relevant indicators seek to continuously improve safety.

In 2024, METLEN maintained the priority of worker safety in the value chain, achieving zero accidents and effective prevention of work-related diseases. Despite the increase in accidents with work interruption due to intensification and expansion of activities, the Company strengthened its prevention and education measures, with emphasis on the near-accident reporting culture and the analysis of the causes of incidents. Internal and external safety inspections, training and rigorous risk management have contributed to the continuous improvement of Health and Safety indicators. At the same time, the main suppliers were also evaluated in terms of their maturity in terms of OHS and sustainability.

The result of the above actions was the strengthening of prevention and the Health and Safety culture, recording an improvement in the relevant indicators and positive quantitative results, which indicatively include:

  • Achieving zero number of accidents and avoiding occupational diseases.
  • Coverage of 98.9% of employees with certified Health & Safety management systems (ISO 45001-2018).
  • Carried out 8,881 safety inspections in all the Group's projects and infrastructures.
  • Implementation of 75,728 man-hours of training on Health and Safety issues, increased by 22% compared to 2023.
  • Implementation of detailed accident investigation and prevention procedures, with emphasis on prevention and information.
  • Strengthening the corporate Health and Safety culture through active participation and reporting of near accidents.

See more in the  Company's Annual Report 2024.