Lessons from America's safest companies
EHS Today, a magazine dedicated to the management of risk in the workplace and environment, has recognized America's Safest Companies since 2002. The 16 companies named in 2013 represent a range of industries and diverse business models, but share common practices that have made safety an integral part of their corporate culture. Some common threads are:
- A strategic approach to safety; creating a fit between safety and productivity. Management listens to the employees and creates programs and trainings that become an integral part of the production process and reflect the culture of the company.
- Engagement of all employees to share responsibility for identifying and addressing hazards and keeping the workplace safe.
- Encouraging workers to be the "eyes and ears" of safe working practices, including the authority to stop work without fear of repercussions.
- Pre-task analysis and discussion of hazards; near-miss reporting.
- A focus on ergonomics that includes stretching exercises, work station evaluations.
- Special emphasis on training; mentoring of new or inexperienced workers.
- Strong management support for education and management of risk resulting in a "top-down/ bottom-up" approach.
Read more about the winners