The health and safety of employees is ArcelorMittal’s top priority. We wish to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the ten ArcelorMittal Mexico employees that have died due to complications associated with COVID-19. Along with the rest of the world, we hope for a swift end to this unimaginable global pandemic.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have implemented health and safety protocol in collaboration with our employees and contractors that is aligned with World Health Organization recommendations. In many cases, we implemented actions that went beyond what is required by Mexican authorities, ensuring we are a step ahead of best practice.

An ArcelorMittal Mexico COVID committee was established on March 6, 2020 to address specific challenges related to the virus. Newly implemented processes and procedures that have been implemented by the committee include: travel and visitor restrictions, robust social distancing measures, mandatory use of face masks (PPE provided by ArcelorMittal), increased sanitization procedures, regular employee communications and strict protocols for virus detection, quarantine and return to work status.

The decree published by the Mexican Federal Government in early April identified the steel industry as an essential industry in México. The essential industry status included contractors WP and Coconal to keep operating at our Lázaro Cárdenas Hot Strip Mill (HSM) expansion project. Similar to many other manufacturers during the COVID crisis, ArcelorMittal’s Mexico operations have taken necessary actions to adapt production and certain capital investments to match market demand.

To ensure the health and safety of our contractors, we have worked collaboratively with WP, Coconal, other contractors and the unions since the beginning of the pandemic to ensure alignment with government regulations. Actions taken have included required temperature scans of incoming workers, social distancing requirements (including modifications to internal transportation and canteen areas), increased sanitization procedures, mandatory working from home for nonessential employees, strict protocols for virus detection, quarantine and return to work status. ArcelorMittal conducts regular site inspection audits with feedback to ensure compliance. Modifications following these specific audits have included water station modifications, social distancing in canteens and sanitization stations for hand tools.

On May 25, 2020, ArcelorMittal the leaders of the HSM contractor companies and unions jointly agreed to pause the construction of the HSM expansion project. This decision was made due to an increase of confirmed COVID-19 cases in contractor personnel at the Lázaro Cárdenas HSM expansion project. The goal of this pause is to revisit and reinforce all COVID-19 safety protocols with the approximate 1,700 contractors (especially those related to external conditions outside of work). During this period, all contractors are also required to have their workers tested for COVID-19. ArcelorMittal is assisting in the testing process. Once contractors are confirmed as negative, they will be welcomed back to work in a controlled manner.

On June 2, 2020, we were visited by the Michocan State Government authorities, in order to review our health and safety protocols. Following their visit, the state public health officials publicly confirmed that we have maintained all necessary and appropriate health and safety protocols during the COVID outbreak as well as following all of the measures prescribed by health authorities.

We also believe we have a responsibility to support the community of Lázaro Cárdenas during this unprecedented situation. To support the local response to COVID-19, we donated 21,000 items to local health care institutions including face masks, gowns, N95 masks, antibacterial gel and face shields.