ANNUAL REPORT 2021

19 To improve the working environment and in accordance with the approved regulations, the Company ensures safe workplaces, provides its employeeswith appropriate protective equipment, and regularly communicates with employee representatives and employees. The Company provides its employees with regular training in occupational health and safety, cooperates and regularly communicates with employee representatives responsible for work safety monitoring focused on injury prevention and avoidance. A total of 75 employee representatives from various units monitored the situation and sent monthly reports – a total of 775. In 2021, there were 41 registered occupational injuries at the Company, an increase of 5 compared to the previous year. The average treatment time decreased from 85 calendar days in 2020 to 61 days in 2021. The Company is the founder of Private United School of Železiarne Podbrezová (SSŠ ŽP), with the organisational units: Private Secondary School of Metallurgy of Železiarne Podbrezová (SSOŠH ŽP) and Private Grammar School of Železiarne Podbrezová, which train the qualified employees of the future. The Company and its school place emphasis on high-quality vocational training for students: metallurgists, electrical engineers, mechanics and mechatronics engineers in graduation specialisations and for metal workers and metallurgists in vocational specialisations. The students acquire work habits during practical learning and on-the-job training at the parent company, which ensures their problem-free employment. In 2021, 14 SSŠ ŽP graduates were employed at the Company after completing their studies and others will continue their studies at universities. Since the establishment of the school, a total of 768 graduates have been employed by the Company, and 36% worked for the Company at the end of 2021. A total of 250 instructors trained Changes to Personnel Expenses (EUR ‘000) (1) Other expenses primarily comprise health centre and employee recovery expenses. 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Wages and salaries 42 831 48 697 49 735 44 637 50 331 Mandatory contributions from wages and salaries 14 763 16 613 17 160 15 339 17 332 Training, education 681 864 890 499 396 Protective equipment 526 501 504 521 486 Social fund – drawing 470 596 632 548 565 Other expenses (1) 224 253 206 136 251 Total 59 495 67 524 69 127 61 680 69 361 Expenses per employee 19 21 22 21 23 The Employee Care Programme was extended to include the following: A contribution for recreation in 2021 was provided to 419 employees in the total amount of EUR 84 thousand. Employer’s contribution to employee supplementary pension savings chemes Retirement and severance payments to employees Protective equipment and employees’ hydration regime Preparation of future workforce and granting of scholarships Recovery stays and preventative medical checks for employees Bonuses for major work and life anniversaries Improvement and enhancement of employee Comprehensive programme of health recovery measures (SRBP) EUR 1 205 thousand; EUR 607 thousand; EUR 486 thousand; EUR 371 thousand; EUR 238 thousand; EUR 88 thousand; EUR 59 thousand; EUR 3 483 thousand; REPORT BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON BUSINESS ACTIVITIES, ASSETS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN 2021 AND INFORMATION ON THE BUSINESS PLAN