Occupational health and safety

KODS 2030

Keep the accident frequency rate (own employees and contractors) below 1

Accident frequency rate of direct and indirect employee accidents (per million hours worked)

In 2023, there was progress made in various projects, such as the implementation of initiatives like process security, segregation of people and mobile equipment, digitization of processes, and defensive driving training.

These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to protecting employees.
In addition, the continuation of the Performance Program for contracted companies reinforces the concern for the safety of all the people who work in the operations, regardless of whether they are direct or indirect. Establishing safety criteria as a procurement requirement encourages partners to be committed to taking care of people.

Accident frequency rate of direct employees (per million hours worked
 

*calculation: ACA x 1,000,000/hht

There was an 8% increase in the lost-time accident frequency rate for own employees when compared to 2022. Despite the result, that is the second lowest rate of the last five years, and in line to sustainably stay below 1.

As part of its ongoing commitment to employee safety, Klabin focuses strategic efforts on reducing safety events. To this end, it is implementing actions to strengthen the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management System, aligning it with the ISO 45001 standard, and promoting the continuous improvement of procedures, systems, tools, and training.
 

Accident frequency rate of indirect employee accidents (per million hours worked)

*calculation: ACA x 1,000,000/hht

In 2023, Klabin has achieved a 1% reduction in the accident frequency rate for indirect employees. Over the last five years, the accumulated reduction has reached 30%, as a result of the continuous improvement of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). 

The work begun in previous years was also continued with the implementation and monitoring of the Performance Program. The initiative includes preventive actions, risk management, awareness campaigns, and safety inspections. Its new format, implemented in 2022, established that the Contractors' Safety Committee (COMSECON) score becomes a hiring criterion for corporate recognition. In this way, it encourages partner companies that demonstrate a commitment to the safety and well-being of their employees.

KODS 2030
 

Zero lives changed* of own and contracted employees 

In 2023, six lives were changed, including two serious injuries and four fatalities (one direct employee and three indirect employees), related to mobile equipment and machine adjustments, critical points in Klabin's processes. 

To promote the necessary changes in this scenario, the Company is making coordinated strategic efforts. The following are highlighted: 

-    Segregation of people and mobile equipment (SPEM): establishing a methodology for assessing opportunities and risks related to traffic in a standardized and methodical manner, and carrying out training on the system for segregating people and mobile equipment for the entire work safety team.

-    Process Safety***: start the implementation of a management system focused on the prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response, and restoration of a catastrophic release of energy related to a process. 

-    Systematic improvement of the risk management methodology (RMP) to ensure compliance with the minimum eligible legal items with a focus on the new NR01. Updating the standard helps to standardize the delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the specific risk exposure of each job.

-    Analysis of occurrences with a focus on a new accident classification system, in line with best practices in the sector; proposing accident investigation formats according to their criticality; and using presentation meetings to share lessons learned and the treatment of major occurrences.

-    Continuation of the project started in 2022 to improve the energy lockout system** by developing, together with each unit, a strategy aimed at advancing the operational culture and discipline in terms of energy lockout.

*The lives changed concept was introduced in 2019 and refers to significant effects caused by occupational and process accidents that are considered very serious and permanent involving people. 
**Blocking dangerous energies: all equipment with the presence of power (not just electrical power), must be blocked with padlocks, locks, or chains, and safety rules must be carefully followed during any intervention. 
***Process safety: a strategy for preventing accidents, especially those related to leaks, loss of containment, and uncontrolled operational processes.
 

KODS 2030

Maintain the severity rate of accidents with own and contracted employees below 50

Severity rate of direct and indirect employees (per million hours worked)

In 2023, there was an increase in the severity rate  due to four fatalities at Klabin units.

One of the highlights of the year was Process Safety, with the implementation of a control system dedicated to preventing and responding to the release of energy incidents. In addition, a methodology has been established to assess and mitigate risks in the transit of people and mobile equipment, which demonstrates Klabin's commitment to safety in all its operations.

The Performance Program for contracted companies continues to be improved, reinforcing the concern for the safety of all the people who work on the Company's operations. Based on strict safety criteria for procurement, Klabin seeks to ensure that its partners share its commitment to caring for people.

Investing in occupational safety is not just an obligation, but an essential priority for Klabin. Protecting employees goes beyond preventing physical harm, it is a demonstration of respect for life and a fundamental part of the Company's success.
 

Severity rate of direct employees (per million hours worked)
 

In 2023, there was an increase in the severity rate due to the fatality of a direct employee at Klabin's units

During the year, the emergency response system was implemented to standardize procedures at Company plants. The new system complies with national standards and good practices in the sector, guaranteeing traceability, availability, efficiency, and agility in emergency management.
 

Severity rate of indirect employees (per million hours worked)
 

In 2023 we had an increase in the severity rate due to two fatalities and two "lives changed" of indirect employees at Klabin's units.
 

During the year, we continued the work started in previous years to implement and monitor the Performance Program through preventive actions, risk management, a campaign calendar, and safety inspections. 

The new management process format implemented in 2022 defines the COMSECON (Contractor Safety Committee) score as a hiring criterion for corporate recognition, thus boosting the engagement of partner companies. As a result of the new methodology, there has been an increase in contractor attendance at our reporting tool, where contractors can record "unsafe condition", "active care", "safe decision" and "incidents".

KODS 2030

Achieve a more advanced level (Generative/Sustainable) in the Hearts and Minds methodology or equivalent
 

Percentage of units, by maturity level
 

In 2023, there was no assessment in the units. The units focused on developing the opportunities identified in the previous diagnosis to drive our cultural evolution. With the PTC (Cultural Transformation Plan), actions are being implemented daily and monitored via PLAK. In addition to monitoring the PTCs, we have also developed an internal calibration protocol to verify the effectiveness of the actions undertaken post-diagnosis, presenting a progress trend table by dimension. Internal calibration helps in the process of continuous improvement. The first unit to undergo internal calibration will be Jundiaí DI in December of this year. The other units will undergo internal calibration in 2024.

GRI-403-9

Occupational health and safety rates and figures
 

*Lost-time accidents that left employees on leave for more than 6 months.
** Lost-time accidents.
*** Accidents with leave x 1,000,000/hht

Despite efforts to ensure the safety of operations, unfortunately, four fatalities were recorded, one direct employee and three indirect employees, throughout 2023. Klabin is directing strategic efforts to change this scenario, strengthening the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHS) to make it more solid and robust and aligned with the ISO 45001 standard, which involves the continuous improvement of procedures, systems, tools and training. 

In 2023, there was an increase compared to the previous year, which indicates the need for the Company to continue dedicating itself daily to strengthening risk management and the guidelines of the Life Protection Policy. 

Reaffirming its ongoing commitment to employee safety, a comprehensive plan is being implemented with a focus on eradicating fatalities in Klabin's operations. It encompasses initiatives and measures to strengthen risk management, train leaders and operators, and mitigate risk tolerance.
 

Occupational health and safety rates and figures – direct employee
 

* Lost-time accidents that left employees on leave for more than 6 months.
** Lost-time accidents.
*** Accidents with leave x 1,000,000/hht

Strategic efforts are being made to eliminate the fatality scenario at the company, with actions to strengthen the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHS), making it more solid and robust, in line with the ISO 45001 standard and with the continuous improvement of procedures, systems, tools, and training. 

The increase in rates compared to 2022 indicates the need for the company to continue dedicating itself daily to strengthening risk management and adhering to the guidelines of the Life Protection Policy.

Occupational health and safety rates and figures – indirect employees
 

* Lost-time accidents that left employees on leave for more than 6 months.
** Lost-time accidents.
*** Accidents with leave x 1,000,000/hht

Despite the efforts made to ensure safety, unfortunately, there were fatalities during the operations. The Company is concentrating strategic efforts on transforming this scenario, strengthening its Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management System, and striving to reduce risk tolerance through initiatives such as the inspections program and contractor management.

Klabin is committed to integrating its contractors through a series of actions. In 2023, the work started in previous years continued with the implementation and monitoring of the Contractor Performance Program (COMSECON – Contractor Safety Committee), which includes preventive actions, risk management, a calendar of safety campaigns and inspections. One of the improvements of this approach is the increased participation of contractors in the "Reports" tool, where they can report unsafe conditions, active care, safe decisions, and incidents.

GRI-403-10

Occupational illness rate involving direct employees (per million hours worked)
 

*calculation: ACA x 1,000,000/hht

In 2023, there was an improvement in occupational disease rates related  to the work we do in health promotion and disease prevention, in addition to the primary health care program we have in some units.

Number of cases of reportable occupational diseases involving direct and indirect employees (by region)
 

In 2023, the number of cases of occupational disease nexus related to the social security technical nexus stayed the same. However, the rates have improved due to the actions of the ergonomics committees and the monitoring of cases by the health team at the Company's outpatient clinics (multidisciplinary team) and referrals to the Viver Bem channels (physical, social, financial and mental health pillars).

GRI-403-3

Occupational health services
 

On May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the end of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) caused by COVID-19.

However, that declaration does not mean that COVID-19 is no longer a health threat, but that the management of the disease is now like that of other infections. Despite the suspension of Klabin's medical protocol for the disease, the Company remains attentive to the complaints of employees and third parties and is ready to guide flu symptoms, whether they stem from COVID-19 or influenza.

In 2023, employee service at all plants focused on compliance with the Regulatory Standards.
The Primary Care Program, available in some plants in partnership with the health operator, has led to a reduction in cost and diagnosis time. In addition, the rate of employees seeking and adhering to therapies remained steady over the period. 
 

Programs and associated health benefits - by topic
 

GRI-403-6

Occupational Health Promotion

In 2023, the Viver Bem Program was restructured to become more diverse with the inclusion of the financial health pillar key and the reclassification of the emotional health pillar to mental health, placing more emphasis on the theme. Various initiatives were promoted for the physical, mental, financial, and social health pillars, focusing on comprehensive and preventive care for employees and their families.
 
The actions encourage health care and maintenance, offering support for improving lifestyle and quality of life in the workplace, promoting health and well-being, and contributing to a culture of care and a more sustainable and secure future. 

The actions related to each of the program's pillars are listed below: 
 

Physical health:

Preventive health campaigns were carried out, in particular Pink October, Blue November, and flu vaccinations, which affected 2,900 employees and their families. 
This cycle also saw the start of updates to the ergonomic analyses. In addition to the campaigns and the continuation of ergonomics actions, ergonomic analyses were revalidated and a Cognitive Ergonomics Report was included to assess the mental load of employees. 
There was an increase of 30-35% in membership of the physical activity platform, which benefits employees and their dependents. 
Reinforcing its commitment to promoting the quality of life of its employees, Klabin has become a signatory of the Gerar Bem-Estar Movement of the ABQV (Brazilian Association of Quality of Life). 

Emotional Health
 

Klabin offers an online psychotherapy service for employees and their dependents, free of charge and without session limits, through its partner Conexa on the Psicologia Viva platform. The service has been the subject of campaigns focused on expanding access, especially in the field of mental health prevention, which has increased searches and consultations. 

Another benefit available to Klabin employees and their dependents is the Employee Support Program, which provides confidential support or advice in the legal, psychological, social and financial areas. In 2023, there were more than 610 cases serviced.  
Actions focused on psychoeducation and mental health prevention for different audiences also continued. In partnership with Escola de Negócios (ENK), training was given to leaders on the subject of psychological safety in the leadership journey in the Turning the Key Program and mental health in the Florescer Program, aimed at training new leaders.  

There were two prevention campaigns on mental health, one specifically on suicide prevention, as well as safety dialogues on the subject during operations. The actions aimed to provide information, naturalize the issue, and reduce the stigma attached to it.

A questionnaire for mental health screening was included in the periodic examinations, allowing for preventive action. By screening for signs and symptoms, we can work to prevent or minimize serious mental health situations. This year, there were 302 participants in the pilot project and, by 2024, the proposal is to extend it to all units. 
  
Klabin has remained a signatory of #MenteEmFoco, a movement of organizations that recognize the importance of mental health in the workplace, coordinated by the Brazil Network of the UN Global Compact. It aims to incorporate and monitor actions every six months, in addition to keeping the issue on the agenda and acting for the benefit of the mental health of employees and society, combating social prejudice and the taboo on the subject.

Financial health

In 2023, the Financial Education Track was reinforced, connected to the long-term incentive (ILP) strategy for everyone on the Klabin Business School Portal. The initiative offers six hours of behavioral and technical content, such as financial intelligence, planning, investments, and preparing for the future. During the year, 1,865 hours of training were completed. 
In addition to the track, there were six rounds of talks on the subject, reinforcing financial education, and specific actions such as lectures and helpdesks to support employees in filing their income tax returns. The Company also offers support channels for financial planning advice, as well as guidance and questions, available free of charge to employees and their dependents.

Social Health

In addition to the support channels, there is the Klabin Pregnant Women Program, developed to care for and accompany pregnant employees, from the time they discover their pregnancy until they return to work. This included actions aimed at families, such as conversation circles and webinars on parenting, which were attended by 460 employees. 
 

The Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is guided by the standards of the PDCA cycle in all forestry units, with guidelines and procedures dedicated to the prevention of losses and the continuous improvement of processes, to preserve life, health, and the physical integrity of people. The OHSMS is based on promoting a culture of health and safety, counting on the partnership of leaders as an essential element to experience and influence, following three fundamental principles:

1. Visible commitment: demonstrating, through attitudes, decisions and words, involvement and dedication to OHS as a core value;

2. Line responsibility: engaging in the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of the OHSMS, ensuring the deployment, consolidation and adequate allocation of resources, to ensure best practices and sustainable results;

3. Operational discipline: adopting a posture of safe execution of each task, reporting possible situations of risk to people or property and practicing active caution.

The safety culture is continuously developed and evaluated using the Hearts & Minds methodology, backed up by the Life Protection Policy. This guideline aims to cultivate a fair culture that prioritizes employee well-being and business strategy, transforming failures into lessons that drive safer processes and activities throughout Klabin.

In addition, there is a comprehensive action plan in response to serious incidents, which includes an analysis of the possibility of recurrence in the various plants. This allows the same hazard mitigation measures to be standardized.

The RAC (Requirements for Critical Activities) audits, carried out annually according to schedule, assess the units according to their progress in preventing the risks identified.

As part of its ongoing commitment to employee safety, Klabin is committed to implementing a comprehensive work plan aimed at eliminating fatalities. The document includes strategic initiatives and actions to strengthen risk management, train leaders and operators, and mitigate risk tolerance. The Company has developed a series of initiatives aimed at creating a safe working environment and protecting the lives and physical integrity of its employees.

To increase risk management capacity, existing risks are periodically reviewed, allowing for the reinforcement of work permit and task safety analysis (PT/AST) processes and the implementation of measures to improve road safety in operations. In addition, leaders are trained to actively promote a culture of safety. The "Atitude 5 Estrelas" program is being implemented, focused on ensuring operational competence in safety, accompanied by a new training matrix to meet the requirements of the NR20 and NR12 standards. Actions to mitigate risk tolerance include a comprehensive inspection program and the reinforcement of contractor management practices, focused on standardizing the safety of outsourced companies. 

The Corporate Occupational Safety Management is under the People & Corporate Services Department, reporting directly to the Remuneration, Performance and Occupational Safety Management. In 2024, the Security Management was restructured. In addition to the Corporate Occupational Safety Management, which is responsible for standardizing Klabin's safety processes, safety managers have been created by business, with branches in the coordination areas described below:

Corporate Occupational Safety Management: a structure that already existed and, with the change, will be responsible for maintaining the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) and defining guidelines and standards for the company.

Regional Occupational Safety Management: there are four new structures dedicated to standardizing safety operations at the different business units: Forestry; Packaging; São Paulo/Santa Catarina Papers; and Paraná Papers.