Proactive health and safety systems were instrumental in making 2003 a year of significant improvement in safety performance.

Throughout Goodyear's global manufacturing and non-manufacturing operations, behavior-based safety, ergonomics, employee contact systems and communications systems were implemented and enhanced. In addition, mandatory safety releases documents detailing proactive action designed to reduce injuries were provided to facilities worldwide.

The European region completed implementing its BPMS injury management system, which allows all plants to take additional action in analyzing injury and illness data. Data systems also were utilized in North America to proactively and aggressively support injury prevention.

Communications key to injury reduction
Communications also were critical in helping to reduce injuries in 2003. A global safety communications process allowed plants worldwide to learn of incident details and post-incident engineering solutions. In addition, Goodyear's global ergonomics Web site provided ergonomic solutions in areas of the manufacturing process most at risk for soft-tissue-type injuries.

Benchmarking eliminates injuries
Benchmarking was another critical component in the quest to eliminate injuries from the workplace. Goodyear engineers collect and share information on health and safety systems. Participating in several globally recognized organizations allowed company health and safety professionals to keep informed on leading-edge technology, systems and processes.

Goodyear continues to maintain a close working relationship with its plant safety committees and to work together with labor union leadership to ensure that the company maintains its global safety leadership position.

Educational opportunities abound
Workshops represented another forum for health and safety learning and sharing. Asia; Latin America; European Union; Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa; and North America regions held on-site, video-conferences and periodic conference calls to discuss progress in making the workplace safer.

Industrial hygiene keeps workplace healthy
To round out the system, industrial hygiene assessments were ongoing. Chemical and physical agent monitoring is key to ensuring a healthy work environment. Samples were analyzed in Goodyear's accredited laboratory in Akron, Ohio, and results were shared with associates. Further data analysis was conducted to determine trends.

On a quarterly basis, Goodyear's global EHS Leadership Council meets to discuss progress and policy improvements. Including top leadership in the process continues to strengthen Goodyear's worldwide health and safety process.