EHS Approach

OUR GOAL: Zero Incident Culture

ICL will ensure the safety, security and health of our employees, contractors, visitors and the environment. ICL's goal is to create a Zero Incident Culture and achieve top-tier safety performance. \

Industrial production in general, and the specialty minerals industry in particular, requires implementation of particular precautionary measures to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. OMES-EHS (Operational Excellence Management System) provides the framework to drive operational excellence for industry leading safety and reliability performance across the organization. As part of this approach, ICL conducts periodic risk assessments and external and internal audits across all of its operations. Emergency drills, personnel training, and knowledge sharing processes are part of the annual plans of our sites.

Some of our products, if not managed properly, are potentially harmful to the environment and to the health and safety of those who are exposed to them during their production, transportation, storage or use. Our existing products undergo an evaluation process during the various stages of their production process and supply chain. We also assess the risks of our new products prior to their launch. We invest resources to develop sufficient information and data for our products. This enables us to characterize their safety features with reference to human health hazards and environmental threats. We strive to take action to increase their positive impact while minimizing their negative impact.

Operational Excellence Management System - OMES-EHS

The HOP Approach and ICL’s 5 Safety Principles

HOP (Human and Organizational Performance) methodology supports ICL’s 5 Safety Principles and calls for early detection of hazards and prevention of incidents. The principles include:

Engagement and Commitment
Risk Management
Organizational Competence
Learning Organization
ESM System

ICL Principles of Safe and Reliable Operation

Process Safety

Equipment design, installation, operation, and maintenance will be in accordance with good engineering practices, inclusive of inspection and testing standards and frequency.

Operational Learning

ICL will strive to learn from failure. The company will promote improvement rather than blame.

Preparation/planning

Preparation and planning, including change management practices, will be executed to the highest standard to protect employees, contractors, visitors and the environment from potential hazards.

Competency

Employees at all levels within ICL will receive the knowledge, experience, and training they need to ensure they are competent, safe, and successful in their role.

Learning Sharing

ICL is committed to being a Learning Organization and will freely share learnings across the organization.

Proper tools/equipment for job

All employees have access to the tools and equipment required to safely do their job. Employees will in return inspect and maintain tools and equipment and request replacements when needed.

Environmental – compliance focus with sustainability

ICL will be environmentally responsible in its operations by implementing sustainability measures to combat climate change, preserve natural resources, and improve quality of life.

Employee Involvement

All ICL employees will do their part in working safely including following procedures, reporting hazards, assisting in the design of and implementing appropriate safeguards and controls and wearing the correct PPE.

Emergency Response

ICL will ensure robust emergency procedures are developed and maintained to protect personnel, property, and stakeholders.

Industry 4.0

ICL will use technology and technological advancements to ensure safe, certain, and sustainable operations.

The HOP methodology focuses on human safety. It’s based on the assumption that human error is inevitable. In fact, it is a symptom of pre-existing problems within organizational systems. HOP’s approach aims to develop organizational transparency, promote dialogue, create defense mechanisms, as well as employee education and training. All of this supports a Zero Incident Culture.

We are implementing a Process Safety Management (PSM) methodology. To accomplish this, we continue to develop and implement policies and standards, which include the EU Seveso Directive, OSHA PSM Regulation and UK HSE Control of Major Accidents. Recently, Israel’s Ministry of Environmental Protection adopted the Seveso risk assessment methodology and is expected to require it at our relevant facilities. All processes include both employees and contractors.

Engagement and Commitment

ICL’s Environment, Safety, Health and Security Policy ensures that our operations, products and distribution systems provide safety and security for our employees, contractors, visitors, distributors and the communities surrounding our facility locations. ICL has implemented ESG based incentives and set specific EHS KPIs. Senior Management, as well as the overall workforce, are evaluated for their performance in terms of these KPIs. For example, ICL executive compensation is linked to improvements in management of health & safety and their performance. Moreover, ICL’s Board of Directors has appointed the Climate, Sustainability & Community Relations committee (the “CSC Committee”). to assure fulfillment of responsibilities and commitments relating to EHS. For more information about ICL’s ESG targets-based incentive, see Vision.

ICL’s Senior Management is undertaking EHS training that is aimed at building a stronger understanding of industrial safety. Plant managers are responsible for implementing the HOP methodology and continuously engaging in activities and routines to facilitate EHS KPIs. HOP workshops were conducted in ICL sites.

ICL sites issue awards to direct and contractor employees for promoting a safety culture. Safety and health issues are also included in most ICL labor agreements. For example, the following health and safety topics are covered by the ICL’s labor agreements in Israel:

Personal protective equipment
Joint management — employee health and safety committees
Participation of employee representatives in health and safety inspections, audits, and accident learning processes
Training and education in health and safety issues
Implementing a complaint mechanism — right to refuse unsafe work
Periodic inspections
Enforcement

Industry 4.0 - Innovations in Safety

EHS innovation is part of ICL’s Industry 4.0. ICL is incorporating innovative technologies to increase the safety of its employees and assets and improve EHS performance. Digitization is occurring in multiple dimensions, including prevention, mapping, and reporting near-misses and accidents.

We are introducing AI technology and other advanced technologies and equipment to support various processes and improve defenses, including the use of robots and drones. Examples of our use of such technology include: “smart” systems for forklifts and trucks, using drones to inspect confined spaces (which eliminate the need for employees to enter dangerous surroundings), smart sensors and more.

Technology is also driving improved data management and enabling real-time data feedback.

ICL uses various systems, including:

CERES – Chemical Emergency Response E-Service) is a collaborative SaaS application for chemical release event modeling, threat assessment, situational awareness, and protective action decision support.
GoArc – The GoArc system is a real-time EHS platform containing the EHS and the Emergency modules, which support ICL’s employees and managers proactive activities, preparedness for emergency, crisis management and its Global OEMS Methodology in all 4 pillars (HOP, PSM, Emergency, Industry 4.0). ICL implemented this unique platform and now has more than 8,300 users, up from 1,200 in 2020. The GoArc platform allows all employees to participate and take an active part in removing risks and hazards while reporting in the GoArc application and initiating and monitoring the reference and corrective actions to address and reduce them.
Enablon is an integrated solution bringing together events recording & learning processes, corrective actions platform, matrix and KPIs, risk & compliance, Engineering & Operations, and EHSQ & Sustainability.

These systems allow employees to take an active part and contribute their insights and expertise in identifying and mitigating risks. By involving all employees in the risk management process, ICL can utilize a diverse range of perspectives, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and accountability. This approach promotes transparency, employee engagement, and collective ownership, ultimately leading to more effective risk mitigation and sustainable business practices.

Risk Management

ICL’s Risk Management methodology focuses on the Company’s processes including environment and safety at all its sites. To accomplish this, ICL continues to develop and implement its policies and standards guided according to the CCPS framework which includes the EU Seveso Directive, the OSHA PSM Regulation and the UK HSE control of major accidents. Each ICL site conducts assessments according to these regulations.

Among other items, risk surveys include a focus on operational processes, assets, activities and occupational hazards in order to prevent employees from exposure to hazardous materials and process risks.

For more information regarding ICL’s risk management see Risk Management & the Precautionary Principle.

Emergency and Crisis Management

ICL’s emergency and crisis management methodology aims to reduce, control or mitigate the effects of emergencies such as natural disasters, fires and spills of hazardous materials.

Our emergency event management methodology is supported by a mobile application with a unique module that was developed specifically for ICL. The module is practiced regularly within the Company, including by specified teams of first responders and various regulatory officials. This enables us to respond quickly to emergency events, as well as to conduct effective crisis management. Emergency drills, including surprise drills, are a part of annual work plans and are regularly performed to test and improve readiness for emergency events, such as earthquakes, fires and leakage of hazardous materials. We continue to enhance our procedures and measures with the goal of becoming leaders in crisis management, management of workplace hazards and other safety practices.

In order to prepare for natural disaster and other emergency scenarios, ICL has emergency teams qualified to perform a broad range of first responder roles, including rescue from ruins and disaster areas following earthquakes. Dozens of volunteers are actively involved. The teams are equipped with advanced equipment and practice highly complex rescue and evacuation scenarios.

ICL has implemented a dedicated software tool to support these processes. Employees report real time data which allows an appropriate response to emergency and crisis events.

Responding To Crises Around The World

Following the severe earthquakes that occurred in Turkey recently, ICL’s rescue teams were deployed as first responders.

ICL’s emergency teams are qualified for a wide range of first responder roles, including rescue from ruins and disaster areas such as earthquakes. The teams undergo extensive training that includes rescue from destroyed buildings, as they practice highly complex rescue and evacuation scenarios which simulate real events. In addition our teams are equipped with the most advanced available equipment.

In February , 2023 ICL rescue teams were deployed to Turkey to assist in the rescue operation. They assisted in rescue missions demonstrating uncompromising professionalism. We thank them all and salute their efforts.

ICL sent a huge supply of baby food, warm clothes, blankets, food, and treats for survivors in the refugee camps. We did our best to ensure that all the equipment was delivered to those who needed it. It was a challenging week, mentally and physically, but it was more than worth it and a true honor to help the people of Turkey with this amazing team.” Said ICL’s Operational Excellence Manager Sivan Moyal

Organizational Competence

Organizational Competence is defined as how well individuals are trained and competent to execute the tasks that are assigned to them. An EHS skills and knowledge matrix has been developed to promote organizational competence. It defines the expertise needed at all levels of the organization regarding EHS. The matrix supports the Risk Management Principle while building expertise in job safety, analysis and processes, as well as implementing ICL’s global EHS procedures and standards. All employees are required to be trained in all relevant safety processes and procedure for their roles. We completed safety training for 97% of the employees that were required to undergo annual safety training during 2022.

Employee Health

ICL manages its occupational health and industrial hygiene practices in order to recognize, evaluate, and minimize employee exposure to occupational health hazards. As an industrial specialty minerals company, ICL must manage and reduce the risk of potential exposure to hazardous materials, production processes and mining.

Enhancing Safe Contractor Work

ICL’s vision is to establish itself as a leader in promoting safety practices. ICL acts to ensure that its contractors are involved in proactive safety management and that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their work safely. ICL performs contractor safety evaluations to identify weaknesses and to determine the most effective safety enhancement efforts. Contractors are evaluated and ranked on specific safety categories including:

Training and risk management performance
Proper use of safety equipment
Vehicles’ and tools’ safety
Maintenance of safety regulations and instructions
Work area organization
Use of site-specific safety surveys prior to commencement of work
Performance of tasks in accordance with work plans and PTW (permit to work) forms
Number and severity of accidents
Incident and hazard reporting

Following the evaluation, contractors who excel receive a recognition certificate. Where gaps are found, ICL commits to working with contractors to improve their performance.

Learning Organization

ICL conducts comprehensive and repeated safety training and certification control systems for all employees, service providers, contract workers and others entering and working at ICL sites.

ICL aims to implement a growth mindset to learn from failures and successes across the organization. ICL has a well-organized learning process, both for proactive and reactive safety management. The workflow includes tracking the implementation of corrective actions and preventive actions.

Analysis of accidents and near misses are conducted at all ICL sites.

EHS committee and other related forum meetings include safety case studies, along with preventive and corrective actions. All operation managers share proactive and reactive safety case studies and insights on a monthly basis.

These processes are accompanied by learning teams which include safety coaching activities guided by trained managers from ICL. The process is supported by our system.

ICL also uses Yammer (a collaboration tool) that helps employees connect and engage across the company, including EHS managers.

In December 2022, ICL hosted a safety conference that included representatives from our sites across the globe. Insights gained from the conference were shared and widely implemented across the organization.

This type of systematic knowledge sharing system helps implement best practices and create a safer working environment.

ICL ESG Week

Each year ICL organizes a global ESG Week that focuses on the environment, safety and health, community and volunteering, quality assurance, sustainability, legal and compliance. The purpose of the event is to promote engagement across ICL. During this week, EHS workshops are conducted. ICL employees engage in activities designed to promote safety in production processes. These include site-specific scenario training, safety drills and learning from EHS incidents. Additional activities include: safety on the road and at home, health and well-being lectures, and more.

EMS System

All EHS risk and compliance processes are supported by EMS Systems. These systems allow employees to send messages regarding issues and hazards that may arise, and in return to receive updates on actions taken to resolve the issues or remove the hazards. Mitigating hazards reduces the risk of injury. The integrated EMS System helps managers and employees monitor and analyze performance in operations.

Plant managers are responsible for fulfilling and implementing the program and continuously engaging in activities and routines.

For more information on ICL’s EHS management see ICL’s 2022 Annual Report (pp. 85-88)

Sustainability Reporting Disclosures:

Disclosure: 103-1

Disclosure: 103-2

Disclosure: 103-3

Disclosure: 403-1

Disclosure: 403-2

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Disclosure: 403-5

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