Inukshuk – a guide for Journey to Zero

ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Canada is the first of ArcelorMittal’s North American facilities to obtain OHSAS 18001:2007 certification. Proud of the achievements of everyone involved, Lisa Williamson, Health and Safety manager at the Hamilton plant, shares with us the story behind the ‘Inukshuk’ and ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s Journey to Zero, Health and Safety improvement programme…

“The Inukshuk (pronounced IN-OOK-SHOOK), meaning ‘in the image of man’, are magnificent lifelike figures of stone which were erected by the Inuit people. These figures are unique to the Canadian Arctic. Standing along Canada’s most northern shores, they endure as eternal symbols of leadership, encouraging the importance of friendship and reminding us of our dependence upon one another.

The traditional meaning of an Inukshuk was to act as a compass or guide for a safe journey. The Inukshuk, like ancient trackers, helped guide people seeking their way through the wilderness.  Erected to make the way easier and safer for those who follow, an Inukshuk represents safety and nourishment, trust and reassurance. The Inukshuk guided people across the frozen tundra and gave them hope in barren places to handle the hardships they encountered. These primitive, stone images showed the way ahead… pointing you in the direction you wanted to go.

Inukshuks convey the importance of personal contribution and reinforce our ability to commit to common goals. The Inukshuk is a symbol for our efforts towards the common goal of Health and Safety Improvements at ArcelorMittal Dofasco.”