The Safety Committees of Tata Steel were formed in order to facilitate the procedures that would help to reach the safety targets laid down in Goal 2012. The Committees involve employees at diverse levels thereby instituting a sense of responsibility across functions.

To reach the targets of Goal 2012, a more innovative approach was required in policymaking and a more concentrated effort in implementation. The ten Safety Sub Committees formed originally have contributed significantly in formulating policies, strategies and standards. This has improved the lost time injury frequency rate, from 3.5 to 0.95 in the last four years.

The Apex Safety Sub Committees have been restructured with effect from 1st April 2009, with eight new Apex Safety Sub Committees replacing the existing ten. These committees will be responsible for developing new policies and standards and / or upgrading the existing policies and standards, formulating strategy and guidelines to improve and facilitate implemention by Divisional Implementation Councils (DIC).

The eight Apex Safety Sub Committees, as listed below, work in different thrust areas under the guidance of the Apex Safety Council, which is chaired by the Managing Director.

• Apex Safety Training and Communication Sub Committee
• Apex Safety Standard Sub Committee
  • Positive Isolation
  • Fire Prevention and Protection
  • Safety Standards
• Apex Incident Analysis Sub Committee
• Apex Safety Audit and Observation Sub Committee
• Apex Rail and Road Safety Sub Committee
• Apex Occupational Health safety sub committee
• Apex Contract Management Safety Sub Committee
• Apex Process Safety Sub Committee

The various objectives that have been set are meant to:

• Revitalise the working of these policy making committees, by merging and creating a new Committee, as required.
• Involve new members of the leadership.
• Rotate the Chairman and the champions so as to encourage innovative thinking and ideas, thereby enthusing policies.
• Ensure, wherever possible, that one person is placed in not more than one committee so that implementation receives appropriate focus.
• Emphasise process safety, which is essential for the sustenance of the Company in the years to come.
• Bring synergy with the other entities of the Tata Steel group by adopting best practices and overcoming concerns.

In addition, in order to take a holistic approach to safety, health and environmental matters in decision making and providing direction to Tata Steel Group, in 2009-10 the Tata Steel Board decided to constitute a Committee of the Board to assist it in carrying out its Safety, Health and Environment function including the provision of leadership and direction to the Tata Steel Group. The respective heads responsible for Safety, Health and Environment in the group companies will be the principal sources of information and advice for the Committee.