For over 100 years, Caterpillar has adopted a safety driven customer centric approach

Amit Bansal
Director, Sales & Marketing, Building Constructions Products (BCP) Division, Caterpillar India

What are the key safety features integrated into your equipment? What new advancements have been introduced in your equipment to enhance operator safety?

Caterpillar is known for applying technology to machines and job sites in ways that improve customer efficiency and productivity. An equally important goal is using technology to manage and mitigate safety risks for people in and around our machines. Ensuring safety on heavy equipment is paramount to protect operators and bystanders, prevent accidents, and ensure efficient operations, contributing to workplace well-being and productivity. These technologies vary in complexity, beginning with ergonomic improvements inside equipment cabs such as more intuitive controls, easy-to-read displays, and noise and vibration suppression systems that reduce fatigue. An event alerts the operator immediately with an audio alarm and seat vibration inside the cab. The new stylish cab integrates ROPS and FOPS to protect operators and give them a safer environment in which to work. Standard machine comes with spacious cabin, suspension seat, new display, and ergonomic controls for fatigue free operation. We are constantly developing new technologies that help keep workers safe. We take a “big picture” approach when it comes to technology, helping customer’s operations run better, every step of the way

How do you ensure the safety of operators working in hazardous conditions (e.g., underground mining or high-risk infrastructure construction zones)?

In addition to standard safety features, customers can avail various features. The redesigned cab of our Cat machines provides improved visibility of the surrounding through connecting glass windows, rear and side view mirrors, ensuring a safe working environment. Ground-level engine shut-off switch stops all fuel to the engine when activated and shuts down the machine. Maintenance and refuelling from the ground keep the operators from climbing onto the machine for a safer work environment. The machine is designed to ensure three points of contact when entering and exiting the machine with strategically placed walkways and grab rails. Further, it is designed with a state-of-the-art secondary steering system which, in event of an engine stall, turns on automatically to help the operator stop the machine safely. These combined offerings enable our customers and operators to work in comfort and safer environment

What safety protocols and practices do your equipment manufacturing facility implement to ensure a secure working environment?

For over 100 years, Caterpillar has adopted a safety driven customer centric approach. But we can only commit to keeping our customers and their operations safe by keeping our employees safe. With that in mind, our facilities and offices are designed to meet Ergonomics Health Association and OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) standards, ensuring a secure and comfortable work environment. We conduct comprehensive safety training, regular drills, and risk assessments to equip employees with the skills to respond confidently to any situation. Our ergonomic workspace designs minimize physical strain, enhancing safety and productivity.

We also prioritize environmental safety with advanced air quality and temperature control systems. Data security is a key focus, with robust technologies in place to protect personal and work-related information. Additionally, we promote a culture of safety through open communication, encouraging employees to report potential hazards.

Our commitment extends beyond compliance, emphasizing proactive safety management and continuous improvement. This holistic approach ensures a secure workplace, reflecting our dedication to safeguarding employee health and well-being.

How do you conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments at your manufacturing plants?

Caterpillar has a systematic approach to safety audits and risk assessments. Aligned with our ESG commitment, we aim to reduce recordable injury frequency (RIF) significantly by 2030. This continuous improvement mindset reflects our dedication to maintaining a safe and secure work environment while empowering employees to contribute to safety initiatives.

What kind of regular health check-ups and wellness programs are conducted for workers and how frequently?

At Caterpillar, employee well-being is at the heart of our culture. We take a comprehensive approach to health, offering regular health check-ups, wellness programs, and proactive care initiatives. Our monthly health diagnostics, including physical examinations and biometric screenings, enable early detection and prevention of potential health concerns.

Recognizing that well-being extends beyond physical health, the Caterpillar Employee Assistance Program provides support for emotional, behavioral, and financial wellness, ensuring holistic care for our employees. We also run regular awareness campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles and foster a culture of well-being.

By prioritizing health and wellness, we not only enhance productivity and employee satisfaction but also create a supportive environment where our people can thrive—both personally and professionally.

Caterpillar turns 100 this year, what can you speak to the advancements the brand has made in terms of prioritising safety?

Our centennial milestone is an opportunity to celebrate the legacy and achievements of our first 100 years while looking towards the future. Helping our customers build a better, more sustainable world has always been at the heart of who we are—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It’s our DNA and guides everything we do.

Our journey has always included plans to build and maintain a safe working environment for our people. Safety continues to be a core value. Safety is a journey, never a destination. As we continue the path to a modern workplace that prevents serious injuries, we rely upon our people to be accountable and engaged in safety protocols.

Moreover, we have established seven sustainability goals to achieve by 2030, including five climate- and environmental-related goals and two focused on employee and customer safety. That being said, no matter what challenges or opportunities the next 100 years bring, we will continue to develop innovative products and solutions that empower our customers to build stronger communities and drive sustainable progress.