Safety and Environmental Responsibility

Caterpillar embraces the concept of mining efficiently and productively while doing the utmost to protect the health and safety of miners, the environment and the communities in mining areas. Running a safe and environmentally responsible business is also a top priority for the mining customers we serve. We are a socially responsible company, dedicated to improving quality of life while sustaining the quality of our earth.

Safety
One of the oldest industries in the world is one of the most important when it comes to supporting modern life. It's impossible to imagine today's world without mining. Massive mining machines move thousands of tons of rock and ore around the clock. Harsh weather conditions, dark tunnels, blind spots, slips, trips or operator error can all contribute to jobsite hazards. Safety must be a part of your everyday routine, with toolbox safety talks between shifts and close attention to worksite and machine conditions at all times.

Caterpillar is committed to safety and has created a variety of mining-specific safety materials including the "Night Operation" video, which discusses fatigue on the jobsite and ways to avoid it. Our Customer Safety Services group provides customers with the most up-to-date safety information in a variety of mediums such as:

  • Safety Basics videos
  • Operator tips
  • Virtual walk around inspections
  • Operation & Maintenance Manual (OMM) excerpts
  • Toolbox talks
  • Safety checklists
  • Online safety training

Visit SAFETY.CAT.COM/mining to find the right solution to help you maintain a safe working environment and arrive Safely Home. Everyone. Every Day.™

Sustainability
At the MINExpo trade shows In 2004 and 2008, we sponsored  landmark seminars on mining and sustainability, bringing together industry leaders, external experts and best-in-class practitioners of sustainable development. We also give financial support to industry-wide activities associated with sustainability.

In 2007, Caterpillar Inc. was selected as a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for the seventh consecutive year. Despite the criteria for inclusion on the DJSI growing more stringent as the importance of sustainability issues continue to grow for investors, Caterpillar saw a five point gain in its total score and received the highest overall score by a company in the industrial engineering industry.

"We believe the sustainability of our world and the sustainability of our business are inseparable," said Caterpillar Vice President, Sid Banwart, who has responsibility for the company's Human Service Division. "We recognize the challenges of sustainable development are numerous and daunting, but so are the opportunities. Our membership on the DJSI solidifies our global commitment to the company, our customers and the communities where we live and work."

Read our 2008 Sustainability Report

Code of Conduct

Caterpillar is fully committed to social responsibility, as stated in our Worldwide Code of Business Conduct, first published in 1974 and most recently updated in 2005. The Code documents our resolve to contribute to a global environment in which all people can work safely and live healthy, productive lives - now and in the future.