Ford Partners For Safety

July 12, 2007

State and federal agreements aim to raise safety standards.

Since Ford Motor Co. entered into a partnership with the United Auto Workers and OSHA in 2000 to improve safety, the company has reduced injuries at its North American facilities by 77%, the automaker reports.

Ford and Automotive Components Holdings LLC, a temporary company managed by Ford, signaled a commitment to continue making safety a priority by renewing in early June the federal agreement and a statewide agreement for its Michigan facilities. The statewide agreement is in conjunction with the UAW, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).

Ford plans to leverage the resources provided by its partners to raise safety standards at its Michigan plants. The partners are developing processes for data reviews and issue resolution and how to coordinate site visits and monitor inspections. Inspection targets include ergonomics, heat stress, electrical safety, working at heights, noise control and personal protective equipment.

Ford's Dearborn Truck plant features overhead safety walkways.Under the agreement, Ford, Automotive Components Holdings and the UAW will track plant health and safety incidents, submit an annual safety report to MIOSHA and hold an annual plant review with MIOSHA representatives.

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About the Author

Jonathan Katz | Former Managing Editor

Former Managing Editor Jon Katz covered leadership and strategy, tackling subjects such as lean manufacturing leadership, strategy development and deployment, corporate culture, corporate social responsibility, and growth strategies. As well, he provided news and analysis of successful companies in the chemical and energy industries, including oil and gas, renewable and alternative.

Jon worked as an intern for IndustryWeek before serving as a reporter for The Morning Journal and then as an associate editor for Penton Media’s Supply Chain Technology News.

Jon received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Kent State University and is a die-hard Cleveland sports fan.