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We believe that every step makes a significant impact

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Shashikant Kumar, General Manager (HR & IR), Udaipur Cement Works (a subsidiary of JK Lakshmi Cement), speaks about initiates taken and challenges faced in implementing corporate social responsibility programmes.

What is the vision of your organisation in terms of CSR?
To strengthen community relationships and to bring sustainable change in the quality of life of neighbourhood communities through innovative solutions in education, health, livelihood and community development. We define Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as the way a company balances its economic, social and environmental objectives, while addressing stakeholder expectations and enhancing shareholder value.
In continuation of the philosophy followed by JK Lakshmi Cement of giving back to the society much before the term corporate social responsibility was coined, Udaipur Cement Works, too, is actively involved towards social causes since its inception by working towards enriching the community living around the plants and mines, especially where the weaker sections of rural and tribal population have limited access to even the basic amenities. The community sustainable development programmes aim at the integrated development of such villages.

How does your organisation zero down on the projects it decides to take up for CSR activities?
CSR action plan is based on the survey reports, consultations with stakeholders and need identification. Based on this mapping, UCWL works closely with the communities to help prioritise their needs in three categories i.e., immediate plan, short term plan and long-term plan, so that the initiatives have effective and positive outcomes for the benefit of the community at large.

Tell us about the budgets allocated for CSR in the current and next financial year.
The procedure for budget allocation is based on priorities and need based analysis of the community. We do ensure that the allotted budget is utilised for the purpose and in the manner for which it is approved and expected to spend within that financial year. Our main verticals for CSR fund are health, water facility, education, learning and skill development. These verticals are covered under different projects such as UCWL Aryogya, UCWL Vidya Project, UCWL Kaushal Prashikshan Project, UCWL Swajal and Swachata Project and UCWL Gramin Vikas Project.

What social responsibilities and community building programmes are your organisations currently working on?
The major focus areas of intervention are education, healthcare, livelihood and community development and commitment towards the social cause which is positively contributing towards human development index.

What significant changes have your CSR activities brought in communities you support?
We believe that every small step makes a significant impact under social responsibility and community development. We created a real life changing story by supporting the community. During the Covid-19 period, we helped them out by distribution of masks, sanitiser and food kits. We are trying to cover all relevant subjects for community support such as skill development, education on sanitation, literacy, eye care, oral hygiene
Few examples are:
For Livelihood:

  • Selection of 75 Micro/ Small farmers
  • Six Workshops on ‘Agriculture Input for Rabi Crop’ participated by 125 beneficiaries
  • Soil testing at State Government Laboratory of all 75 Micro- Small farmers beneficiaries
  • Developed 75 Individual Farmer Development Plan
  • Pesticides support to 16 farmers
  • Door-to-door Veterinary Programme wherein 1711 cattle treated for free, and which

benefited 454 cattle owners

  • Veterinary Camp treated over 50 cattle
  • 25 girls were trained in the 6-month training programme and 14 placed in BPO sector
  • 26 Women beneficiaries trained in stitching


Community Infra:

  • Electrification of six Aanganwadi around the mines’ periphery
  • Toilet facility at Government Senior Secondary School, Mandesar
  • Repair and maintenance of Government Primary School, Talai, Mandesar


Medical

  • Organised 15 Medical Camps,which benefited 602 patients
  • Organised 2 Eye Camps, wherein 249 patients underwent eye check-up and 53 patients were provided with spectacles
  • Cotton masks, oximeter and PPE kits were provided to four Gram Panchayats, three hospitals and one government school

Tell us about the steps taken by your organisation to achieve net zero. How far have you achieved your targets?
Serving the society towards improving the quality of life of the community at large has always been a priority of the company. The concept of socially responsible business is deeply ingrained into our corporate DNA right from the initial years and till date we have pioneered and delivered several CSR projects for needy and vulnerable communities and families. The company works towards overall development and welfare of the society by focusing on areas such as health, sanitation, water, education, skill development and livelihood interventions. As the beginning of the financial year saw the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the company responded to this unprecedented crisis by taking several initiatives in collaboration with local panchayats and district administration. Number of food kits, sanitisers, cotton masks and hand wash were distributed to the needy families as well as sessions and meetings were organised to create awareness on Covid-19. The company also undertook multiple CSR activities like medical camps, skills training for the women and girls and supporting them for income earning under its flagship project ‘Swavalamban’, among others. Projects like farmers’ training, exposure visits and veterinary camps were organised to improve agricultural and cattle rearing practices to strengthen livelihoods of the marginalised families. These CSR projects have positively impacted the lives of the beneficiaries around the plant.

What is the expertise you employ to implement your CSR plans?
Currently we have recruited CSR professionals having more than 10 years of experience in
the development sector and two project experts as consultants.

How has the pandemic impacted your community building activities?
We stood up strongly with our stakeholders and nearby community. Although activities were stuck for a small period during complete lock down when movement was restricted. However, it was momentary. That time was crucial for everyone from an individual to an industry, everyone. Overall, the pandemic was a lesson for all of us and an opportunity for awareness among people about the importance of hygiene and sanitisation. We met with the local panchayat and district administration. We conducted awareness sessions, distributed a number of food kits, sanitisers and cotton masks for safety towards Covid-19 pandemic.

Tell us about the awards and accolades won by your organisation for CSR.

  • UCWL recognised with ‘National Award for Excellence under CSR in Best Community Action Category’
  • UCWL was awarded ‘Winner for 8th CSR India Award 2021’
  • UCWL received an Appreciation Certificate for contribution in ‘Ghar Ghar Aushadhi Vitran

Yojna’ of the Department of Forest; Government of Rajasthan. This scheme was designed for distribution of medicinal plants to state citizens.

What are the future plans for building communities and giving back to society?
Currently we are working in 6 villages only and planning to increase the number of villages to 27, with an integrated approach of socio-economic development for the community. Some major proposed projects are as mentioned below:

Project 1

Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Aarogya Project,

Purpose Statement: To deliver affordable/quality health care services & door stapes MMU MMU modal in partnership with H2H foundation 2 Camps per day (Monthly 25*2 camps) 600

Project 2

Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Vidya Project,

Purpose Statement: To support around 300 needy students with a school kits simultaneously support Govt schools in primarily mines area with teachers support to bridge the shortfalls of teachers
Education School kit support – in 3 Govt primary Schools One time 300
Teacher support – 5 Govt Sr Secondary Schools Monthly 2
Repair & maintenance of Govt up-primary school, Bajajnagar – Plant area One time 1
PCC work @ Govt Primary school, Talai One time 1

Project 3

Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Aajivika Project,

Purpose Statement: Promoting Farm & Allied livelihoods through institution building, capacity building, skill development training, support services & other related initiatives. Animal Husbandry Door to door vet service Monthly 2500
Artificial insemination for cattle Monthly 1428
Vet Camp (Daroli, Toos, Ghupadi & Majawada) Qtr 16

Project 4
Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Aajivika Project,

Purpose Statement: Promoting Farm & Allied livelihoods through institution building, capacity building, skill development training, support services & other related initiatives. Agriculture Development Agriculture Development Setting up Vermi Bed (Soil Improvement) One time 50
Capacity Building & Training of Farmers Monthly 24
Seed & pest support Twice in a Year 30
Exposure visit – Other district / State One time 50
Exposure visit – Inter district One time 50
Spray Pump with motor One time 4
Repair & maintenance cost of spray pumps One time 4
Spray Pump manual One time 4
Repair & maintenance cost of spray pumps One time 4
Plantation (SA) One time 1000
Access to Govt scheme One time 35
Training on Agri-allied activity to promote small business like Goatry/ Poultry/ Rabbit Keeping / Beekeeping / Mushroom Farming / Dairy Development – AI One time 60
Support to trained beneficiaries of agri-alied activity to promote small business – Goatry/ Poultry/ Rabbit Keeping / Beekeeping / Mushroom Farming / AI One time 30

Project 5

Name of CSR Projects Project Planned Activities Frequency of activity Total number of units
UCWL Kaushal Parshikshan Project,

Purpose Statement: Provide Skill training & coaching support to 350 youths in various trades. Skill Development RSCIT – Rajasthan State Course In Information Technology Diploma to increase the IT education level for Job Readiness.
Three months training, Examination & certification Qtr 120
Skill training for women (Beautician & Tailoring) Qtr 120
Salary of teacher Competitive / coaching classes & other running exp Monthly 50
Projector One time 1
Computer for teacher One time 1
Training in Technical trades Qtr 10

-Kanika Mathur

Concrete

Our products are designed with the latest automation technology

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S K Ambasta, CEO, ATS Conveyors, talks about their material handling and transportation solutions, which are crafted as per European standards, ensuring high quality and low maintenance.

Tell us about your material handling and transportation solutions.
ATS Group is an established material handling equipment manufacturer company globally, offering various proven solutions for AFR material handling and transportation that include Automated Garb Crane, Extractor, Doseahorse, Sidewalls Belt Conveyor, Air Floating Belt Conveyor, Double Flap Valve, etc.

Explain the functionality of the material handling installations at a cement plant.
ATS solutions for AFR co-processing circuit ensure regulated extraction, dosing, conveying and feeding of AFR materials to calciner in cement plant.

What is the impact of your solution on the cost and production efficiency of cement plants?
ATS offers solutions to help cement plants to consume more AFR material, leading to reduced consumption of coal, which consecutively reduces their production cost as well as helps in regulation of carbon emission to contribute towards NET Zero.

Tell about the role of automation and technology in building your solutions for cement plants.
Our products are designed with the latest automation technology, be it the automated control and monitoring of grab cranes, auto calibrator for extractor or achieving the shortest cycle time for operation of double flap valves.

Do you customise your solutions for cement plants based on their requirements?
Majority of our solutions are customised based on the different types and characteristics of AFR material to meet customised capacity requirements of cement plants.
All equipment is designed and manufactured in accordance with European Standards, namely, NF EN 618, NF EN 619, EN ISO 13857, NF EN 620, NF EN ISO 14122-1-2-3, NF EN ISO 12100-1-2, 2006/42/CE, etc.

Tell us about the major challenges you faced in terms of the cement plants.
Major challenge faced by us in cement plants is that the AFR materials available are majorly un-processed, which becomes a challenge for consistent performance of our equipment.

Which innovations are in the pipeline that the cement industry can look forward to?
Our recent innovative product Twin Doseahorse is a very unique solution to fulfil dual feeding requirements. Also, this has been awarded as Product of the Year in Cement Expo 2023. Additionally, we have launched Air Floating Belt Conveyor, which is a unique solution to convey AFR with minimised spillage and with minimum structural work leading to reduced CAPEX cost. Further, we are also launching a high capacity Double flap valve, which shall be capable of feeding up to 400 m3/hr of AFR material.

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Concrete

Revolutionising the Future

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Dr S B Hegde, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Jain College of Engineering and Technology, Hubli, and Visiting Professor, Pennsylvania State University, USA, discusses the hydrogen and automation revolutions in the cement industry in the concluding part of this two-part series.

The global cement industry is undergoing a transformative phase by embracing the hydrogen revolution as a beacon of sustainable energy. This paradigm shift involves the incorporation of green hydrogen as a clean energy source, not only reducing environmental impact but also establishing new benchmarks for responsible energy use in cement production.

Usage of hydrogen in cement plants.
A. Global status

Globally, several leading cement manufacturers have initiated pilot projects and full-scale implementations of hydrogen-based technologies in cement production. As of the latest data, the cement industry accounts for approximately 7 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, making the adoption of green hydrogen crucial for achieving emission reduction targets.
In Germany, for instance, a prominent cement plant has invested over €40 million (approximately US$ 45 million) in a green hydrogen project. This initiative is expected to replace a significant portion of traditional fossil fuels, leading to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.
B. Indian perspective
In the Indian context, the hydrogen revolution is gaining momentum as the cement industry strives to align with the nation’s commitment to sustainable development. While still in the early stages, pioneering cement plants in India are actively exploring the integration of green hydrogen into their production processes.
C. Current initiatives and investments in India
An exemplary case is a major cement manufacturer in India investing Rs 120 crores (approximately US$ 16 million) in a green hydrogen pilot project. This initiative aims to assess the feasibility of using green hydrogen as a primary fuel in cement kilns, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 30 per cent.
D. Challenges and opportunities
Despite the promising trajectory, challenges such as the cost of green hydrogen production and infrastructure development need to be addressed for widespread adoption. The Indian government’s focus on promoting green hydrogen and the establishment of a National Hydrogen Mission indicate a conducive environment for overcoming these challenges.
E. Environmental impact
The incorporation of green hydrogen into cement production offers a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. As hydrogen combusts without producing carbon dioxide, it presents a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change.
F. Setting new standards
By embracing the hydrogen revolution, the cement industry is not only reducing its environmental impact but also setting new standards for responsible energy use. This shift positions cement manufacturers as leaders in sustainable practices and reinforces their commitment to a low-carbon future.
G. Future trajectory
The hydrogen revolution in cement production is poised to become a cornerstone of sustainable manufacturing globally and in India. Continued investments, collaborative research, and government support are expected to drive the widespread adoption of green hydrogen, ushering in a new era of responsible and environmentally conscious cement production.
Automation Revolution
As the cement industry propels into the future, a seismic shift is underway, steering towards a highly automated and robotic workforce. This commitment to automation transcends geographical boundaries, reshaping the landscape of cement production with a focus on precision, safety, and unparalleled efficiency. Let’s delve into the global and Indian scenarios, incorporating some figures to the transformative impact of robotics in the cement industry.

Global landscape
A. Adoption of automation

Globally, leading cement manufacturers are at the vanguard of adopting automation and robotic technologies. According to industry reports, over 50 per cent of major cement plants worldwide have integrated robotic systems into their production processes, marking a substantial increase in the last five years.
B. Safety and precision
The paramount focus is on ensuring the safety of human workers and achieving precision in tasks that are critical to cement production. Studies show a 70 per cent reduction in workplace accidents in cement plants that have implemented robotics, demonstrating a tangible improvement in safety conditions.
C. Efficiency gains
Automated and robotic systems significantly enhance the efficiency of cement production. Reports indicate a 20 per cent increase in production efficiency and a 15 per cent reduction in downtime in cement plants where robotic technologies are fully integrated. These gains contribute to cost-effectiveness and operational excellence.


D. Examples of implementation
In Europe, a major cement plant has deployed autonomous robotic vehicles for transporting raw materials within the facility. This not only reduces manual labour but also streamlines the logistics process, contributing to a 25 per cent improvement in overall operational efficiency.

Indian scenario
A. Adopting trends

In India, the adoption of robotic systems in the cement industry is steadily gaining traction. According to industry forecasts, over 30 per cent of large cement plants in India have initiated or completed the integration of robotic solutions into their production processes, with projections indicating a further 15 per cent increase in the next three years.
B. Safety enhancement
With a commitment to worker safety, Indian cement plants are integrating robotics into tasks that involve potential risks. Reports suggest a 40 per cent reduction in accidents related to material handling and other hazardous processes in plants where robotic systems are actively employed.
C. Efficiency and precision
The Indian cement industry is witnessing increased efficiency and precision in production through the deployment of robotic systems. According to operational data, cement plants in India have experienced a 12 per cent improvement in packaging precision and a 30 per cent reduction in errors in tasks performed by robots.
D. Collaborations and investments
To expedite the adoption of robotics, Indian cement manufacturers are collaborating with robotics companies and investing in research and development. Industry reports indicate that the Indian cement sector has witnessed a 25 per cent increase in investments in robotic technologies in the last two years.
E. Future trajectory
The future of cement production globally and in India is undeniably linked to the continued integration of robotic technologies. As advancements in robotics and automation unfold, the industry is poised to witness further improvements in safety, precision and overall efficiency. Projections estimate a 10 per cent increase in global robotic adoption in the next decade, with India leading this trend with an anticipated 20 per cent growth in robotic integration.

Global trends in marketing, technology and sustainability

  1. Virtual global presence
    Establishing a virtual global presence through digital showrooms is a strategic approach, especially in an increasingly digital world. This provides customers with convenient access to your products regardless of geographical boundaries.
  2. Augmented reality engagement
    Augmented reality adds an interactive and immersive dimension to your marketing materials. It enhances customer engagement and understanding of your products, making the experience more memorable.
  3. AI-powered personalisation
    Personalised marketing content through AI algorithms demonstrates a customer-centric approach. Understanding and addressing individual needs can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  4. Virtual knowledge sharing
    Offering virtual workshops and e-learning platforms is an excellent way to empower customers with knowledge. This not only builds trust but also positions your company as a thought leader in the industry.
  5. Global educational partnerships
    Collaborating with international educational institutions contributes to knowledge exchange and the development of industry best practices. It fosters a global community focused on innovative construction methods.
  6. A sustainable global future
    The emphasis on a sustainable global future reflects a broader commitment beyond business goals. It aligns with the growing importance of corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Conclusion
In wrapping up our journey through the innovations and sustainable practices in the global cement industry, it’s clear that our commitment to excellence is shaping the future of construction. Embracing smart technologies like Industry 4.0 in cement plants ensures efficient and eco-friendly production.
Our drive towards emission-free aspirations, with the use of advanced technologies, signifies a crucial step in creating a cleaner, greener world. We are actively reducing our carbon footprint, setting ambitious goals for a sustainable future.
The transition to electrifying kiln technology reflects our dedication to cleaner production methods. By incorporating green hydrogen, we are not just reducing environmental impact but also setting new standards for responsible energy use in cement production.
In marketing, our approach goes beyond borders. The use of virtual showrooms, augmented reality and AI-powered personalisation ensures that customers globally have an immersive and personalised experience.
Empowering customers through virtual knowledge sharing and global educational partnerships showcases our commitment to spreading valuable insights globally. We envision a future where education and innovation lead to sustainable construction practices worldwide.
In essence, our strategies aren’t just about revolutionising the cement industry; they are about creating a better, more sustainable world for everyone. By pushing the boundaries of innovation, embracing sustainability and fostering global education, we’re paving the way for a brighter future in construction.

References
Klaus Schwab, The Fourth Industrial Revolution, World Economic Forum, 2016.
International Energy Agency, Technology Roadmap: Carbon Capture and Storage, 2013.
International Energy Agency, Energy Technology Perspectives 2020, 2020.
International Renewable Energy Agency, Green Hydrogen Cost Reduction: Scaling up Electrolyzers to Meet the 1.5°C Climate Goal, 2021.
International Federation of Robotics, World Robotics 2020 – Industrial Robots, 2020.
McKinsey & Company, Reimagining marketing in the next normal, 2021.
Statista, Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) forecast spending worldwide 2020-2024, 2021.
Forbes, AI For Marketers: 8 Best Practices to Boost Your Strategy, 2021.
E-learning Industry, Top eLearning Statistics and Facts For 2021, 2021.
UNESCO, Global Education Monitoring Report 2020, 2020.
United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals, 2021.

About the author:
Dr SB Hegde
is an industrial leader with expertise in cement plant operation and optimisation, plant commissioning, new cement plant establishment, etc. His industry knowledge covers manufacturing, product development, concrete technology and technical services.

(*Refer to the January 2024 issue of Indian Cement Review for the first part of this article.)

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Safe plant concept means safety of the entire workforce

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Ashutosh Shrivastava, Head – Corporate Safety, JK Cement, talks about their commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy and environmentally friendly workplace as well as the continuous efforts being employed to enhance safety through technology, training and a proactive approach to addressing the behavioural aspects of safety.

What is the definition of a ‹safe› plant in your organisation?
Safe plant concept means safety of the entire workforce, including both employees and visitors coming to the plant for their respective nature of activity, by taking appropriate safety control measures as per the risk associated with the activity.

Tell us about the key areas where safety in a cement plant is of paramount importance?
In a cement plant, the key areas where safety management system plays an important role are:

  • Plant gate for heavy vehicle entry: An SOP has been developed for the entry of heavy vehicles inside the plant for loading and unloading activity, along with an SOP of high standard vehicle traffic management safety, which is being followed.
  • Packing plant area: In the cement industry, the maximum workforce involved is at the packing plant operation, as the major activity of cementing bags and loading them onto vehicles by using conveyor belts at loading points is being undertaken. For safe loading operations, an SOP has been developed. The SOP Task Risk Assessment is conducted and applied along with safety control measures, based on activity SOP.
  • Process area: To maintain safe process operations, various associated activities are carried out. For example:
  • Hot material handling: Poking and cyclone jam cleaning activities at preheater and kiln locations, etc.
    Hot work: Naked flame producing activity (welding / grinding / gas cutting)
    Working at height activity: Work at 1.8 m or more is called working at height activity
    Electrical isolation activity (called Log Out / Tag Out)
    Confined space activity
    Lifting activity
    Material shifting activity
    Raw material unloading activity by using mobile equipment
    Non-routine activity like plant shutdown
    Civil work inside plant
    Project works (new process equipment installations, new civil building, old steel and civil structure demolition and erection)
  • For all these activities, the safety management system has adopted certain tools:
    Elimination of hazards
    Process substitution
    Engineering controls like machine / equipment guarding, log out / tag out, hard barications etc.
    Administrative controls like permit to work system for high risk activities, Activity SOPs/OCP, activity risk assessment, job specific safety training, tool box talks, workplace safety inspection, safety observation tours, hazards reporting, near-miss and incident reportings, safety meetings, etc.
  • What are the safety equipment used by the personnel in different areas of work?
  • Since there are different types of activities going on inside a cement plant, based on a specific activity, the workforce uses personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safe design equipment, such as:
  • Hot works (welding / grinding / gas cutting): Heat resistance suit, hot work safety hand gloves, face shields, hot works safety goggles, safety helmet, safety shoes, gas cylinders pressure gauge, flash back arrestors, fire hydrant line, fire extinguishers, etc.
  • Height works: Full body safety harness with double lanyard with shock absorber, life line, safe design scaffolding platform, boom lift, scissor lift, cherry picker, safety goggles, safety helmet, safety shoes, job specific safety hand gloves, etc.
  • Hot material handling activity: Full body heat resistance suit, hot material handling safety gloves, heat resistance safety shoes, heat resistance face shield, fire hydrant line, fire extinguishers, etc.
  • Confined space works: Use of gas detectors, forced ventilation system, life line. rescue equipment, electrical isolation system (log out / tag out), safety goggles, safety helmet, safety shoes, job specific safety hand gloves and nose mask.
  • Electrical works: Electrical isolation system (log out / tag out), safety goggles, electrical job specific safety helmet, electrical job specific safety shoes, electrical job specific safety hand gloves, electrical job specific face hood, electrical shock resistance suit, etc.
  • Lifting activity: Third party approved lifting tools and tackles and third party approved mobile equipment (mobile cranes).
  • Material shifting activity by using mobile cranes: Third party approved lifting tools and tackles, third party approved mobile equipment (mobile cranes, fork lift, etc).

Tell us about your organisation’s policies about safety for people working in the plants?
Summary of the company’s Safety, Health and Environment Policy:

  • The Company, as a good corporate citizen, assumes its business and ethical responsibility to create a safer and healthy workplace for its employees and a clean environment to its employees as well as surroundings.
  • With the company›s global vision, we aspire for the highest international standards in plant design, equipment section, maintenance and operation, which are consistent with its emerging leadership position in cement business, the company will constantly encourage higher international standards in all areas including safety, health and environment.
  • The Company as a part of its corporate philosophy and policy is committed to manufacture products safely and in an environment-friendly manner with due consideration for occupational health for employees and others who may be involved and / or affected by its operation.
  • The company will comply with all applicable laws and regulations (local /state/federal) pertaining to its operations.
  • The Company widely participates with the government, the industry and others concerned in creating relevant laws, regulations and standards to safeguard the community, workplace and environment.
  • The Company is committed to the safety and health of the surrounding community at each manufacturing site and will make sure that any adverse environmental impact is minimised.
  • The Company will provide adequate resources for the implementation and monitoring of safety policy.
  • Each site and department will have this policy prominently displayed so as to bring it to the attention of all employees.

Does technology play a role in ensuring plant safety? If yes, how?
The technology used for safety purposes at JK Cement comprises:

  • Digital safety management system module, which includes permit to work system, workplace hazard reporting and investigation, workplace near-miss reporting and investigation, workplace safety observation tour, safety statistics analysis, etc.
  • Fire / smoke detectors installations at fire risk areas (reference AFR operation, bag go down, etc.) and connected with the emergency control room.
  • Digital Control System (DCS) to control and monitor plant operations.
  • Nitrogen Purging System installation at process equipment (reference coal fine bins, liquid AFR installation, etc.)
  • Temperature sensors installation in different equipment.
  • Gas Detection Monitoring by using multi gas detectors for confined space activity.
  • CCTV cameras installed at multiple locations.
  • GPS installation in company vehicles, etc.
  • Tell us about the major challenges faced in ensuring plant safety?
  • In the cement industry, the major challenge that we are facing is the behaviour of the workforce towards safety. To deal this challenge, we have developed safety management system tools that include:
  • Safety Awareness Tool (safety induction, activity tool box talks, job specific safety training, monthly safety campaign and circulation incident-based safety alert).
  • Safety Inspection Tool (behaviour-based safety observation tour, workplace safety round, focus internal safety audit and external safety audit).
  • Reporting Tool (near miss reporting, hazard reporting and incident reporting).
  • Emergency Preparedness Tool (mock drills, onsite emergency plan, fire fighting equipment facility and medical emergency facility).
  • Risk Assessment Tool (job safety analysis, hazard identification and risk assessment).
  • Safety Observation Discussion Platform Tool (monthly safety review meeting, management representative and workers representative safety committee meeting and daily all plants manufacturing meeting).
  • Safety Guidelines Tool (Activity SOP / OCP, safety hand book, contractor obligation and OHS guidelines and activity dos and don’ts).
  • Workplace Safety Display Tool (activity safety display and activity SOP display).
  • Administrative Control Tool (risky activity permit to work system).
  • Incident Investigation Tool (root cause analysis, CAPA and safety recommendation).


Do you conduct safety training and audits for your plant personnel? Explain in detail.
Workplace Safety Trainings and Safety Audits are an important tool of safety management system:
Safety Awareness Tools:

  • Safety Induction
  • Activity Tool Box Talks
  • Job Specific Safety Training
  • Monthly Safety Campaign
  • Circulation Incident Based Safety Alert
  • Safety Inspection Tools:
  • Behaviour Based Safety Observation Tour
  • Workplace Safety Round
  • Focus Internal Safety Audit
  • External Safety Audit

How do you plan to better the safety of your plant in the years to come?
We have prepared a focus safety element plan for the coming years to reach the next level of safety system at JK Cement.
Focus safety elements are:

  • Human Safety
  • Equipment Safety
  • Fire Safety
  • Electrical Safety
  • Steel and Civil Structure Safety
  • Workforce Behaviour Development Programmes towards Safety
  • Stress Free Safety Culture
  • Environment Friendly Workplace
  • Healthy Workforce
  • Use of job-specific advanced personal protective equipment
  • Development of Injury-free Workplace based on Zero Harm Concept
  • Kanika Mathur

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