Cliffs is guided by a comprehensive safety policy that encompasses all aspects of safety management. The policy establishes management's commitment to safety and the systems directed at the prevention of accidents and illnesses. It also establishes accountability for management and all employees. Click here for safety-related charts.

Safety Leadership Team
In 2001, Cliffs' policy and safety systems were combined into a Safety System Reference Manual by our Safety Leadership Team (SLT). The manual embraces Cliffs' Core Value of SAFE PRODUCTION, emphasizing that production achieved with unnecessary risks is unsatisfactory and that safety and health must be managed like any other business aspect. Development of the Safety System Reference Manual is a significant step in Cliffs' commitment to continually improve its safety performance.

The SLT prepared educational and training materials for safety leadership workshops to implement the manual. The SLT also identified safety accountability as a key factor in a mine's ability to safely manage its operations. Safety accountability relies on holding management accountable to perform key “upstream” accident prevention activities as part of their regular responsibilities. Every manager is assigned specific and measurable prevention activities that must be systematically completed. The activities are documented on scorecards and compiled into the employee's metrics. A “percentage of compliance” score for each operation is reported monthly. This system's success relies on the old adage “What gets measured -- gets done.”

Safety System Audits
In 2001, safety audits were conducted at all mines. The audits consist of a comprehensive review of key system components, workplace conditions inspections and employee perception. The average audit score for all sites has increased incrementally each year since 1992.

Safety Recognition
Two Cliffs' mines led the U.S. iron mining industry in safety performance for 2001. Northshore and Hibbing Taconite outperformed all other iron ore mines in safety as measured by the frequency rate for Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reportable injuries. Northshore was awarded the Cleveland-Cliffs President's Award for Safety as recognition for being the safest Cliffs' operation. The President's Award is given annually to the Cliffs property with the lowest frequency rate. Northshore's Babbitt Mine qualified for consideration for the Sentinels of Safety Award. The Sentinels is awarded by MSHA and the National Mining Association to the mine with the highest number of hours worked without a lost-time accident.

Industrial Hygiene
In 2001, the focus on industrial hygiene was shifted from the corporate office to the operating sites, in order to improve efficiency and increase effectiveness. A series of comprehensive introductory and advanced workshops has been developed for key site personnel. Each operating site maintains trained staffs (both salaried and hourly employees) who monitor potentially hazardous dusts, mists, vapors and fumes, as well as other physical hazards such as noise and vibration. Strict compliance with MSHA's Hazard Communications and noise and dust regulations is a key objective for Cliffs in 2002.