VDZ uses its industrial safety prize to recognise measures and successes of German cement works in terms of improving safety at work for employees. According to VDZ's accident statistics, they have managed to reduce the accident rate to less than a fifth since 1969. In addition to recognising companies' efforts, the award motivates employees of cement works, and promotes their general awareness of safety and attention to possible risks. The prize has been awarded annually since 1977.
In 2013, 15 clinker works and 9 grinding works were awarded the industrial safety prize at the 37th prize-giving ceremony at the VDZ annual cement conference 2014.
Due to the different risk situation, grinding works are assessed separately from clinker works in a special competition.
