22.7.2004
Although this year summer came little bit late, finally it is here! And increased temperature is accompanied by increased need for receipt of protection drinks. Yesterday, VÍTKOVICE STEEL initiated an enhanced drinking regime in which the employees are entitled to receive more mineral water.
“In case that daily temperatures are high for at least two consecutive days, the employees working at open worksites are entitled to receive more mineral water. This means 0.7 l of mineral water per person per shift in case that temperature in the shade is between 28 and 30 °C,“ explains Mr. Pavel Škuca from the technical department. “When the temperature is between 31 and 37 °C, the employees are entitled to receive 2 l of mineral water, and in case the temperature is over 37 °C the employees receive unlimited quantity of mineral water. The employees who are on a list of risky work activities, e.g., radiating heat, thermal load, etc. are entitled to 2 l of mineral water with temperatures higher than 30 °C,” added Škuca.
In 2003, within the enhanced drinking regime in VÍTKOVICE STEEL the employees consumed more than 456 thousand bottles that represents approximately 320 thousand liters of mineral water. And only in the first half of this year, which was especially cold, the steel workers drank approx. 153 thousand bottles of mineral water which is about one third of the yearly consumption. The highest consumption last year, i.e., 167 983 bottles was noted in the Steel Plant which currently employs more than 400 people, the lowest consumption of 4 929 bottles was reported from the Flame-Cut Shapes cost center. This means that the company invested more than 2.5 million crowns into protective drinks over the examined period. In comparison with the year 2002, consumption of drinks slightly increased, mainly thanks to higher temperatures and lower headcount.
„Roughly one half from the total quantity of protective drinks is provided by our company during the whole year to employees on exactly specified work sites. These work sites are mainly hot operations like the Steel Plant and hot parts of the rolling mills, etc.,” explained Škuca. „Besides mineral water, the employees are entitled also to tea and coffee. They can collect protective drinks in return for vouchers. Consumption of protective drinks is registered.“ When asked about consumption of low-alcoholic beer in steel operations, Mr. Škuca answered: „Starting in 1990’s there is no beer in steel operations. Demands for attendance of modern equipment can be compared with demands placed on road vehicles drivers. Any inattention could lead to fateful effects.“
