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Worthington Safety Program Reduces Serious Injuries by 44%
08/28/2007 - Worthington Industries reports first-year results for its safety management program, including a 44% reduction in serious injuries, 22% reduction in total OSHA recordable injuries, and 31% reduction in the number of workers’ compensation claims.
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Worthington Industries’ Safe Works initiative provides standardization and sharing of company-wide best practices, while allowing facilities to address localized needs and concerns.
Voluntary employee safety councils lead their own facility’s safety process, including managing the company’s voluntary behavior-based reinforcement program, Business Risk Improvement Techniques for Everyone (BRITE). The BRITE program focuses on developing safe behaviors and preventing injuries through positive reinforcement.
Employees are also directly involved in the safety improvement process through personal protective equipment (PPE) trial programs, creating their own safety training videos and continuous improvement efforts.
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“We believe that our company-wide goal of zero injuries is not just a goal to work toward, but is attainable,” said John P. McConnell, Worthington Industries Chairman and CEO. “A safe workplace and workforce speaks to the heart of our philosophy—that employees are our most important asset. Fewer injuries also positively contribute to the company’s bottom line through lower workers’ compensation costs and increased productivity and quality as a result of fewer disruptions to production.”
Twenty-one percent of the company’s manufacturing facilities achieved Zero DART (Days Away, Restricted, Transferred) injuries during the year, which ended May 31. Eight facilities exceeded the milestone of one year with zero DART and zero recordable injuries. On average, Worthington Industries’ DART rates are more than 64% lower than industry average, and recordable injury rates are more than 52% below the industry average.
Since 2001, Worthington has revitalized safety practices to strengthen the company’s safety culture and reduce injuries. During the past six years, these efforts have lead to significant results, including a 54% reduction in OSHA recordable injuries and a 57% decrease in OSHA DART injuries. A 63% reduction in the number of workers’ compensation claims during this time period also resulted in savings of several million dollars in workers’ compensation.
Designed to involve each employee in the safety process, the company’s Safe Works program is centrally governed and locally managed. “Most people believe safety is a top-down initiative, but we don’t feel that way. Everybody benefits from a safe workplace and an ongoing safety improvement process—and everybody should have a voice in how it works,” said George Stoe, Worthington Industries Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
The Safe Works initiative provides standardization and sharing of company-wide best practices, while allowing facilities to address localized needs and concerns. Voluntary employee safety councils lead their own facility’s safety process, including managing the company’s voluntary behavior-based reinforcement program, Business Risk Improvement Techniques for Everyone (BRITE). The BRITE program focuses on developing safe behaviors and preventing injuries through positive reinforcement. Employees are also directly involved in the safety improvement process through personal protective equipment (PPE) trial programs, creating their own safety training videos and continuous improvement efforts.
“We are pleased with the first-year results of Safe Works. With the continued dedication of our employees and facility leaders, we expect to continue building a sustainable safety culture in our company,” said McConnell.
About Worthington Industries
Worthington Industries is a leading diversified metal processing company with annual sales of approximately $3 billion. The Columbus, Ohio, based company is a premier North American value-added steel processor and a leader in manufactured metal products such as metal framing, metal ceiling grid systems, pressure cylinders, automotive past model service stamping and laser welded blanks. Worthington Industries and its subsidiaries employ more than 8000 people and operate 64 facilities in 10 countries.
Founded in 1955, the company operates under a long-standing corporate philosophy rooted in the golden rule, with earning money for its shareholders as the first corporate goal. This philosophy, an unwavering commitment to the customer, and one of the strongest employee/employer partnerships in American industry serve as the company’s foundation.
