Hecla’s extensive safety practices and standards are detailed in our Safety and Health Management System (SHMS). Our SHMS establishes the minimum implementation standards and requirements to meet the company’s objectives for safety and health. The SHMS is based on the belief that all injuries are avoidable, and a total commitment from all personnel is necessary to perform all tasks safely to achieve zero injuries.
Performance against safety targets is a key component of Hecla’s short-term incentive pay (STIP) program for salaried employees, including named executive officers. Safety is also part of hourly incentive programs at three of our four production sites, an initiative that has raised awareness and improved safety. Prior to 2024, the STIP was based on advancing our long-term trend since 2012 of reducing our All-Injury Frequency Rate (AIFR), including lost-time injuries, restricted workday cases, and medical treatment incidents.
In 2025, safety targets for STIP focused on: identifying and correcting hazards (including regular inspections and proactive reporting of hazards and near misses); risk reduction (such as risk assessment and implementation of hierarchy of controls); and safety engagement in the workplace (employee interactions and observations). In 2025:
Hecla implements programs designed to raise awareness of its safety culture and help employees develop skills that enable them to perform their work in a safe and healthy way. The programs include the Hecla Take 5 Safety Focus Program, which fosters continuous improvement by improving job site awareness and decreasing exposure to high and critical risk activities at each job site. In 2024, Hecla launched our “Safety 365: Work Safe, Home Safe” initiative, a program that promotes an environment where speaking up about safety concerns is not just encouraged, it’s expected.
In June, leaders, employees, and contractors across every Hecla operation came together for our annual Safety Day, pausing normal operations to focus on our most important priority: ensuring everyone goes home safe, every day. The teams took part in safety discussions, hands‑on training, and risk-reduction activities aligned with our Safety 365 Values — Work Safe. Home Safe. Hecla leaders joined site events to listen, recognize safe behaviors, and reinforce that safety is a shared responsibility and a core value, not just a priority.
Hecla teams showed their skill and competence at the 2026 Central Mine Rescue competition in Juneau, Alaska. These competitions are more than just a test—they help our teams prepare for critical skills that are used during real-life mine rescue efforts.
The Lucky Friday and Greens Creek teams demonstrated exceptional skills across multiple events, underscoring the importance of continuous training and readiness. The Lucky Friday team finished second overall, earning first in the Bench BG4 competition, second place in both First Aid and Team Tech, and third in Rope Rescue. In addition, our Greens Creek team secured third place in Team Tech.
Hecla works to ensure our workforce is healthy both physically and mentally. Each site has individual health and wellness initiatives to promote overall wellness and disease prevention. Our wellness website, provided through the company’s employee assistance program, provides a central location for employees to learn about mental health and access support resources. The website also provides information on diet and exercise, parenting, finances, dealing with stress, and more.
