10th March, 2025: Ownership, Safety, and Sustainability – Building a Stronger Culture!

This morning, one of our colleagues led the prayer, setting a positive tone for the day.

IMS Audit – A Responsibility for All

Mr. Lingaiah informed everyone about the upcoming IMS (Integrated Management System) audit. I elaborated on it, emphasizing that this is not just an audit of documents or procedures—it is an audit of everyone.

Each department must be prepared according to its procedures and instructions. Ownership is key.

I also reminded everyone about safety equipment checks:

• Fire hydrants
• Firefighting systems
• Fire extinguishers
• First aid boxes

A safety officer alone cannot check everything. It is everyone's responsibility because, in the end, these measures are for our own safety.

Plant Light-Up Decision

During the HOD meeting, we raised the issue of Kiln#2 light-up. The discussion continued in the DPM (Daily Production Meeting), and we finalized the decision: Kiln#2 will be lit up tomorrow evening.

Safety Culture Spreading Across Borders

Coincidentally, I came across a LinkedIn post from my ex-colleague, Mr. Piyush Giri, who is now in Ghana. He mentioned the safety pledge we introduced at our previous plant:

👉 I will take care of the safety of these three: Myself, my colleagues, and my machines.

Here in Togo, we take the same pledge in French. This is how culture spreads—when good practices move beyond individuals and become a shared value. Well done, Piyush!

No Compromise on Safety – Clinker Silo Cleaning

A long-standing issue is the coating on the clinker silo top, which has accumulated over the years. The challenge of cleaning it has become a headache. However, I made it very clear: No compromise on safety.

"If the work cannot be done safely, we will not do it. We will call a specialized team for the task instead."

Long-Term Plan for Water Bodies in Mines

Mr. BVK Raju and I had an extensive discussion about the water bodies in the mines.

We need a solid, long-term plan:
✅ Pumping out the water
✅ Reclaiming the land
✅ Handing it back to the landowners as per our agreement

A temporary solution will not work. The plan must ensure sustainability and compliance.

Crusher Issues – A Common Pattern

The Primary Crusher, Secondary Crusher, and Pre-Crusher all have the same model—and unfortunately, the same recurring problems.

The Mechanical HOD must:
🔍 Study the issues in detail
📝 Prepare a comprehensive refurbishment plan
🔧 Develop a structured maintenance plan and implement it

A proactive approach is needed to prevent frequent breakdowns.

Posters for Safety & Efficiency

We are preparing painted posters to reinforce key messages. However, content must be finalized first. The messages must be catchy, impactful, and in French.

✅ 5 Cardinal Rules for Safety
✅ CLTI (Cleaning, Lubrication, Tightening, Inspection)
✅ ABCD: Always Be Careful, Dear Friends
✅ 5S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain)

My challenge? I don’t know French. The message must be accurate and resonate with our workforce. A translation that misses the essence won’t work.

Closing Thoughts

The day was packed with critical discussions and decisions. Every issue—from audits to plant operations, safety, and long-term sustainability—revolves around one principle: Taking ownership.

As I reflect on the day, I realize that leadership is not about solving problems alone—it is about empowering people to take responsibility and build a stronger culture.

[At Togo today, our team is taking pledge in the French. 🙂

Gardez toujours ces trois éléments en sécurité.

nous-mêmes, nos collègues et les machines.]

Next Day - 11th March, 2025

Previous Day - 8th March, 2025