Although we maintain industry-leading safety performance, our results declined somewhat in 2010. Most injuries were ergonomics-related or from slips and falls. We found some employees’ attitudes about safety had grown complacent because of the benchmark performance we’ve maintained for years. And with our 2010 priority focused on growth, some employees focused on producing faster instead of safer.
To refocus employees on the importance of working safely, company leaders launched an awareness campaign to promote the motto of working “safe, right, fast.” This enhanced level of engagement will continue in 2011.
Our 2010 performance is summarized below:
The on-the-job recordable injuries rate was 0.26 per 100 employees, which exceeded our goal of 0.20 or less.
Lost/restricted day cases (L/RDC), which involves restricted time or time away from work, increased to 0.13 from 0.10 in 2009, and exceeded our goal of 0.08 or less.
Ergonomic injury rates, which encompass musculoskeletal disorders, accounted for about 25.8 percent of recordable injuries and 35.6 percent of L/RDC rates.
No fatalities.
No incidents of noncompliance with regulations and voluntary codes concerning health and safety impacts of our products and services.
Due to the company’s growth, TI allocated significant resources to provide on-site safety and ergonomic assessments at our new manufacturing sites in Japan and China. TI safety and health experts evaluated management systems and processes, workspaces and ergonomic design, and addressed cultural differences to ensure a successful transition. This work will continue in 2011, in addition to learning more about these sites’ best practices.
In addition, site support teams identified specific priorities during the year to refine and improve local ESH programs. These teams collaborated with worldwide ESH experts to resolve any audit findings. This effort will continue in 2011.
We are proud that our safety rates are still among the lowest among U.S. Semiconductor Industry Association members, and are committed to achieving our long-term goal of zero work-related injuries and illnesses. Our ongoing efforts will include continually assessing risks and taking preventive action.
Looking ahead
In 2011, TI’s safety priorities will be to reduce ergonomic hazards and recordable injuries (our target is a rate of 0.20 or less). We will continue to provide targeted training and site support to strengthen global performance. To improve our safety culture, we also intend to expand behavior programs and reinforce the need for rapid and ongoing communication to address potential risks.
