Operating in one of the world’s most challenging environments leaves no room for improvisation. At ALMA, foresight is not just a best practice—it is the foundation for working safely and reliably. Safety is not an isolated standard, but a shared responsibility that is present in every decision, every process, and every team.

In this context, the Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) team plays a key role: supporting departments, anticipating risks, and incorporating safety criteria from the early stages of projects and operations.

“Our focus is on consolidating increasingly integrated management across all ALMA operations,” explains Iván López, HSSE manager. “But above all, on taking care of people during their work shifts, so they can return home and be with their loved ones.”

This prevention becomes even more critical given the conditions under which ALMA operates: high altitude, extreme weather, remote work, and coordination among multiple teams. “There’s no room for improvisation here; anticipation is key,” Iván emphasizes.

That is why our work goes beyond simply meeting standards; it involves integrating them from the earliest stages. One example is the WSU project, where safety has been a priority from design through installation, including participation in the review of hazard analyses, environmental and safety assessments, monitoring of mitigation measures, technical reviews, and change control processes.

Actions that strengthen safety in our day-to-day operations

This year, the focus has been on strengthening people’s capabilities and tools, with initiatives such as first aid training, high-altitude driving courses, flu vaccination campaigns, and new training programs aimed at reinforcing prevention in the field.

The challenge is to continue building a culture of prevention and reporting, where learning from experience is a natural part of daily work, and to move toward a role that is increasingly integrated into operations.

“We would like to be seen as a team that adds value, protects people, and supports ALMA’s future development,” concludes Iván. Because at ALMA, being proactive isn’t just about preventing risks: it’s the way we work, collaborate, and take care of what we do.