We are supporting calls for further investment in British steel in this article, as we discuss how the British steel industry is leading the way in employee safety, and how proud we are that CutPRO® Cut Resistant Clothing is part of that.
Dwarfed by International Competition
According to the IBEF, India was the world’s second-largest producer of crude steel in 2019. Due to an abundance of low-cost manpower and iron ore they aim to have 300 million tonnes steel-making capacity by 2030-31.
However, this output is dwarfed by Chinese steel who, according to a study in 2019, are now achieving 996 million tonnes per year and have gone from an international industry share of 13% in 1995, to 53% in 2019.
In comparison, the national demand for British steel is growing rapidly due to high import prices, the logistical impact of the pandemic and Brexit. British steel prices have increased to around £1000 per tonne, an increase of 70%. This is because the infrastructure to fulfil this demand nationally is not currently available.
Despite being overstretched, the government is calling for 2.6 million tonnes more steel for their recent infrastructure demands stating that “We are encouraging the UK steel sector to invest in their capacity and capability to enable them to grasp these opportunities.”
Safe Growth for British Steel
In response, a mainstay of the British steel industry, British Steel, has invested £100 million to grow their infrastructure and reduce manufacturing costs since being saved from liquidation by Chinese firm Jingye Group.
Jingye have promised to invest £1.2bn over the next 10 years to save British Steel amid turbulent global trading conditions and have now guided the company into profitability.
According to the CEO Li “Moving into profitability was a significant milestone for the new business but we’re only at the start of our journey and still have many challenges to overcome, such as the exceptionally high raw material prices.
“However, British Steel is increasing production, reducing costs, and growing into new markets, all of which is giving us a stronger platform upon which to build. We’re optimistic for the future and I’d like to thank customers, suppliers and stakeholders for their continued support.”
This achievement comes alongside their commitment to ‘achieving the highest industry standards of health, safety and environmental performance.’ Believing that ‘zero harm is achievable through engagement and continual improvement.’
Putting Safety Before Success
We know we are not alone in our belief that industry growth should not impair the health and safety standards of a business.
However, since lockdown has lifted in India, a health and safety crisis has been unfolding with 14 accidents reported in the press in 2021 which have already claimed the lives of 42 workers, with about 100 injured.
These accidents happened in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, steel companies and in mines.
Image credited to: IndustriAll 10 March 2021 'No progress made in Indian health and safety crisis'
The figures that are being reported are apparently not accurate, underestimating the actual death toll, with figures for 2019 and 2020 not available.
SQ Zama, the Secretary General of the Indian National Mine Worker’s Federation, said that the ‘negligence on safety rules and shortages of safety equipment continue to claim workers’ lives.’
We believe that these highly skilled industrial workers deserve better.
We are proud of being part of safe and sustainable growth for the steel and mining industry as essential PPE for workers at risk from cut and abrasion injuries in the workplace.
We are also proud to be a BSIF registered member, ensuring that you are buying garments that you can trust when protecting your team.
We believe that these highly skilled industrial workers deserve better.
We are proud of being part of safe and sustainable growth for the steel and mining industry as essential PPE for workers at risk from cut and abrasion injuries in the workplace.
We are also proud to be a BSIF registered member, ensuring that you are buying garments that you can trust when protecting your team.
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