Barrick is committed to achieving a zero-incident work environment with a safety culture based on teamwork and safety leadership. The company’s Safety and Health Policy states that nothing is more important to Barrick than the safety, health and well-being of workers and their families.

The company has implemented key safety programs and activities, including systems and policies, training for all employees, special training for emergency response teams, performance measurement, risk assessment processes, recognition programs for safety achievement, and a steady flow of information that keeps people focused on continuous safety improvement.

Barrick’s approach is outlined in the Barrick Safety and Health Management System, which identifies nine elements for building a safe workplace and creating a strong safety culture.

1. Leadership and Personal Commitment
   

   Barrick leaders have a responsibility to create and promote a safe workplace by demonstrating visible felt leadership, being active and visible in the field, participating in site safety and health committees, interacting positively with workers and coaching them on good safety behaviors. Barrick encourages all employees to be safety leaders, speaking up about any safety concerns and taking personal responsibility for their safety and the well-being of co-workers.

2. Training and Competence
   

   Barrick ensures that every employee has training to obtain the skills and knowledge to perform the job safely. Barrick provides employees, contractors, and visitors with orientation, refresher courses, and numerous other programs that reinforce the safety culture.

3. Risk Management
   

   An annual risk assessment at each site identifies risks and the controls to put in place to mitigate them. Barrick people use procedures such as field level and formal risk assessments to identify and eliminate or control hazards. All work site changes require planning, training and communication. A management-of-change process is in place at every site.

4. Operational Controls and Procedures
   

   Safety risks and hazards can be eliminated or mitigated to help prevent incidents. Barrick sites are equipped with personal protective equipment standards, mobile equipment guidelines, health exposure controls, and many other standards and procedures to protect the well-being of employees. Regular monitoring ensures controls are effective.

5. Health and Wellness
   

   Poor health increases safety risk, so Barrick monitors all sites to ensure they are meeting industrial hygiene standards, including regulations on dust, noise control, and ergonomics. Barrick also promotes wellness, including stop-smoking programs, fatigue management, travel security training, and other initiatives.

6. Contractor Controls
   

   Contractors on Barrick sites must meet the same high safety standards as the company's own employees. Safety record is an important factor in contractor selection, and Barrick monitors safety performance throughout the contract.

7. Incident Investigation
   

   All incidents are investigated to determine the root cause and prevent future events.

8. Emergency Preparedness
   

   Safety systems aim to prevent all incidents; however, Barrick also maintains a high degree of emergency preparedness. Barrick teams receive special training on rescue, illness, fire, chemical release, natural disasters, terrorist activity and various other potential emergencies. Each site has people and supplies in place, with teams practiced in implementing an emergency response plan.

9. Performance Measurement and Assessment
   

   Barrick monitors the safety performance of every site. The company conducts regular reviews and audits of guidelines, standards and systems to identify areas for improvement, test compliance and ensure a high standard.

By implementing strong programs and processes in each of these nine areas, Barrick works to ensure a safe workplace and a culture that holds safety as its top priority.