Assessment of safety and health performance based on ELMERI index in one of the steel industry in Khuzestan province, Iran

Background and Objective: In the last few decades, organizational factors have become the leading indicators of occupational health and safety (OHS) performance in industries. ELMERI is a simple and cost-effective method for monitoring OHS performance in the manufacturing industries. Regrading this, the present study was carried out to evaluate the safety and health performance in a steel industry by using the ELMERI index. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, the safety and health conditions of the workplace were evaluated by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) specialists using the ELMERI index. The ELMERI index covered safety behavior, workplace hygien and housekeeping, machinery safety, occupational health, ergonomics, walkways, fire safety, and first aids. Finally, ELMERI index was examined based on the findings. Results: The results of this study demonstrated that an ELMERI index of 69% is indicative of a moderate performance. Safety behavior, workplace hygien and housekeeping, machinery safety, occupational health, ergonomics, walkways, fire safety, and first aids were determined as 75%, 64.4%, 80.5%, 51.4%, 66%, 75%, and 79.6%, respectively. Conclusion: A common feature for goal setting and a real-time indication of OHS performance is the use of the ELMERI method. The ELMERI method fills the gap between management activities and accident-based indicators in OHS management systems. The results of this study enable managers to make the best decisions to provide and implement preventive measures based on indicators and events by the evaluation of performance safety.