In early May, two employees of Avdiivka Coke's gas rescue station sustained shrapnel wounds during another shelling. If not for armoured protection of employees, the consequences could have been tragic.

Gas rescuers at Avdiivka Coke are one of the most mobile groups. To perform their duties, they have to constantly move around the plant: to measure temperatures in the coal towers of coke shops, extinguish fires that occur after shelling, record damage, etc.

On 3 May, employees of the gas rescue station - shift foreman Yevhen Buksha and gas rescuer Leonid Korovnikov - carried out a routine inspection of the gas rescue station building after measuring the temperature of the coal towers. It was necessary to inspect it for new damage and, if necessary, fence off dangerous areas and repair critical damage. The shelling of the plant began, as usual, suddenly. At that time, the gas rescuers were at the entrance to the gas rescue station.

Leonid Korovnikov sustained shrapnel wounds to his leg. Shrapnel hit Yevhen Buksha in the head - he suffered a fractured jaw and damage to the soft tissues of his face. However, the bulletproof helmet fulfilled its safeguard functions and took the impact of the fragment, which could have been fatal for Avdiivka Coke's employee.

The wounded employees are currently undergoing treatment. But the main thing is that they survived. This case clearly proves that the body armour issued to Avdiivka Coke's employees - helmets and bulletproof vests - protects them and can save their lives. 

The compulsory wearing of bulletproof vests and helmets during work and movement around the plant was introduced at Avdiivka Coke in May last year. All employees of Avdiivka Coke who are currently working at the plant, which is almost 200 people, have been provided with this protective gear.