Almost 70% of Group factories have achieved below 1.0 in the injury rate - considered good performance in the industry.
Manufacturing facilities are the focus for the Group’s health and safety (OHS) work. With a Group incident rate (TCIR) of 1.1, almost 70% of factories across the company have achieved below 1.0; considered good OHS performance in the manufacturing industry. Progress over time is more noteworthy - the 2012 rate was reduced by a further 10% compared to 2011 and 48% compared to 2010.
On target
Through Electrolux Manufacturing System (EMS) and initiated in 2012, Electrolux is rolling out a global health and safety management system to monitor performance for all Major Appliance facilities and three of four Small Appliance factories. The system is expected to be in place by mid-year 2013. The goal is to operate 25% of its facilities at industry best practice levels (TCIR 0.7) by 2015. With 2012 performance, they exceeded this goal. As Olympic and CTI performance will be integrated into the EMS system in 2013, work will continue to maintain these levels.
Year-on-year targets have also been set for factories. Facilities with TCIRs greater than 1.0 are expected to demonstrate a 10% improvement on OHS incidents while those under 1.0 are expected to reduce their rates by 5%.
In production environments, changing behavior is crucial to reducing OHS risks. That is why objectives should be communicated in a way that resonates with people on the factory floor. Electrolux launched the 100 days without an accident program to engage everybody in OHS objectives. The EMS-wide goal is to reach 100 days by year-end 2013.
In order to better understand the types of incidents that occur in factories and prevent them from recurring, Electrolux is introducing “First Aid Incident Rate” (FAIR) in 2013 to measure near misses, and incidents that only required first aid.
Although measuring OHS performance lies primarily in factories, Electrolux is also launching office safety activities in Stockholm, Sao Paulo in Brazil, Singapore and Charlotte, US to promote health and wellbeing among all employees. This program aims to support employees in maintaining their physical, mental and emotional health and well-being while working for Electrolux. It focuses on workstation ergonomics, first aid training, regular checkups, physical training, and personal counseling. It also includes tips on health and safety issues outside the office.
Joint OHS committees
The Workplace Standard and Workplace Code of Conduct stipulate that local OHS management must live up to Group standards. To ensure this, an OHS Committee, consisting of both management and workers, must be in place at every manufacturing facility. All facilities have reported that they have this procedure in place. However, Electrolux does not currently monitor the percentage of employees covered by these committees. The system used to manage safety is built on engaging both workers and management in achieving objectives, monitoring performance and advising on OHS programs.
Rates of injury
In 2012, the global incident rate decreased by 10% (42) while the number of workdays lost due to injuries increased by 36% (-36). See table Rates of injury. Local definitions on what constitutes a workplace injury have been used to determine the total injury rate.
Education and training
There is strong group-wide focus on training in order to prevent injuries and illnesses.
Global OHS training is ongoing and includes induction, CPR, first aid, driver-awareness, drugs and alcohol, and safe operating of machinery such as fork-lifts.
The 2012 Global Safety Day to demonstrate commitment and build awareness about the importance of safety in the workplace and rewarded facilities in each region for outstanding health and safety performance and improvements in 2012.
Coverage in trade union agreements
The International Framework Agreement, a formal agreement to between Electrolux and key unions underlines the Group’s commitment to maintain the same standards in all the countries where it operates. The agreement encompasses a chapter regarding OHS, stating that all employees are to be provided with a safe and healthy working environment, and, when applicable, safe and healthy residential facilities with meeting local law as a minimum. Electrolux and its suppliers are also responsible for taking appropriate action to prevent workplace accidents or illnesses as defined in the Workplace Standard.