5.2. Health and safety training

GRI 403-5, 403-7

The Elia group continuously trains its staff. Training for all employees who work on technical sites is compulsory; this is updated periodically. All employees are regularly instructed about workplace-specific hazards and the measures they can implement to avoid them.

The Elia group also provides training materials, training and tests for subcontractors. The content of annual training related to overhead line pylons and transformers is determined on the basis of the rescue concept: a uniform level of knowledge is promoted amongst employees, alongside the exchange of knowledge across sites.

Training related to rescuing people in distress at sea was carried out in the reporting year. Both the rescue measures undertaken by staff and the PPE they used proved to be effective.

ELIA IN BELGIUM

In addition to refresher trainings for our operational teams, we also ensure that such staff are continually informed about changes to procedures and working methods, and that they are able to learn from feedback.

Safety flashes are also sent out to our own staff and subcontractors on an ad hoc basis; such messaging includes good practice reminders or the identification of specific risks associated with particular tools.

Due to the nature of our activities, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, training dates and schedules could not be altered. Training sessions were therefore adapted to be delivered as webinars or delivered on work sites with appropriate protection measures in place.

50HERTZ IN GERMANY

Training for operational staff across our regional centres are delivered on six days per year. Staff who work in administrative settings are given training on at least once per year.

In cases where staff are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect them from falls from a height, such staff must complete annual practical exercises related to the use of PPE and rescue missions from heights and depths.