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Workplace safety

Finding safer ways of working

Better technology, increased regulation, and greater health awareness have made mining significantly safer today compared to its beginnings. At U.S. Borax, we continue to invest in not only the physical safety, but also the mental wellbeing of our employees, contractors, and communities where we operate.

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Workplace safety

We mine a remarkable mineral that’s essential to human progress. But, human progress shouldn’t come at the cost of human wellness.

That's why we are determined to create a fatality-free environment, where everyone is both physically and mentally healthy. Nothing less is acceptable.

Embedding safety in operations

Leadership in the field

Our leadership in the field (LIF) initiative is critical for upholding high health, safety, and environmental standards on site. LIF allows us to not only measure our impact, but also helps identify continuous improvement opportunities.

Training and procedures

Regardless of role, everyone onsite is required to complete regular training and attend safety meetings. Content ranges from job-specific duties to sitewide operating procedures such as fire evacuation drills. First aid, CPR, and domestic abuse awareness are examples of topics covered in health and safety courses.

Advanced equipment and monitoring

The mine at Boron Operations features an advanced high wall monitoring system that tracks earth movement at the millimeter level. This precision ensures our employees have sufficient time to evacuate in the extremely unlikely event of a wall collapse.

Encouraging transparent feedback

We empower everyone to report any issues or unacceptable behavior while working. There is no tolerance for bullying or harassment. To advance a culture of transparency and respect, Rio Tinto commissioned an independent review of working conditions across every site. The goal was to better understand, prevent, and respond to harmful behaviors.

Mental health support

We offer several different paths for employees to receive mental health support. One way we ensure a mentally-healthy workplace is through our on-site Peer Support Program. Featuring a team of trained volunteers, this program enables employees to receive non-judgemental support from colleagues.

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Workplace safety

A safety leader

U.S. Borax has one of the lowest total recordable injury rates (TRIR), compared to other industries and even within the mining industry.

Workplace safety

Comparative workforce metrics are sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  (2023 is the most recent full year available). Display is rate of injury and illness cases per 100 full-time workers. Metrics are focused solely on our existing California operations.

Inside operations

U.S. Borax operations strictly adhere to all workplace safety laws in the areas where we operate. Operation facility employees receive annual training from:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA)
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)

Boron Operations

Coudekerque

Rotterdam

Wilmington

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Peer Support Team advances mental health at U.S. Borax

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Mining safety: A U.S. Borax legacy

Boron mining safety looks completely different today than it did when we started operating 150 years ago. This year, as we celebrate an important milestone, we look back at how U.S. Borax has played a leading role in improving safety.

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