Performance Standard 4 – Community Health & Safety

The aim is to ensure that adverse impacts to the health and safety of communities are anticipated and avoided, while safeguarding human rights at all times.

Risk identification is performed prior to project execution, but during all phases and life of the project, they must be managed through the Environmental and Social Management System.

The Standard specifies that these tasks must be performed by trained and experienced professionals. At ZEa Social Consulting, we have successfully advised infrastructure projects of companies of all sizes since 2014.

It is crucial not only to identify social risks, but also to propose appropriate mitigation measures proportional to the nature and magnitude of the risk, favoring prevention rather than minimization.

The areas referred to in Performance Standard 4 on Community Health and Safety include:

• Infrastructure and equipment design and security

Structural elements or components must be designed, constructed, operated and deactivated, if applicable, taking into consideration the safety risks for third parties or the Affected Communities.

• Hazardous materials management and security

The potential for community exposure to hazardous materials and substances generated by the project must be avoided and minimized. If there is a possibility that the public (including workers and their families) may be exposed, or that they could pose a threat to life, the developer must take special care to avoid or minimize such exposure. He must modify, replace or eliminate the conditions or materials that generate potential hazards.

On the other hand, the Standard states that all commercially reasonable efforts must be made to control the safety of hazardous material deliveries, as well as the transportation and disposal of hazardous wastes.

Services provided by ecosystems

Among the risks and adverse impacts to be considered, are the direct effects of the project on priority ecosystem services.

Community exposure to disease

The developer must avoid or minimize potential community exposure to waterborne, water-based or water-related diseases that may result from project activities. In addition, the developer shall prevent or minimize the transmission of contagious diseases that could be associated with the temporary or permanent immigration of the project workforce.

Emergency readyness and response

It is noted that the developer must assist and collaborate with Affected Communities, local government agencies and other relevant parties in preparing to respond effectively to emergency situations, especially when its participation and collaboration is necessary to respond to such emergency situations.
In addition, it will provide appropriate information to Affected Communities, relevant government agencies and other relevant parties. All this in addition to the emergency readyness and response requirements described in Performance Standard 1.

Security staff

When the developer hires employees or contractors to provide security to protect its personnel and assets, they should assess the risks that the security arrangements that might involve those on or off the project site.

The developer should be guided by the principles of proportionality and international best practices regarding the hiring, standards of conduct, training, equipping, and supervision of such personnel, as well as applicable legislation. In addition, it is necessary to provide a grievance mechanism for Affected Communities to voice their concerns regarding security arrangements and the actions of the security staff.

The best way to manage risks is to identify them in a timely manner. Approach ZEa Social Consulting to comply with regulations, while taking care of the health of the business and the community.