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NEW FLYER EARNS CUTA SAFETY AWARD
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; May 31, 2005; The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) has awarded New Flyer the CUTA National Transit Corporate Recognition Award for Safety at its 2005 Annual Conference in Gatineau, Québec.
Janice Harper, Director of Human Resources, said, "Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility, every day and every task. Without safety first, we will not be able to operate at peak performance for the long haul. Safety must be practiced at all levels within our plant to be effective, from the installer to the manager level. We all own it."
New Flyer’s ongoing commitment to a safer work environment is evident in the improvements in its safety statistics. Since 2002, New Flyer’s operations in Winnipeg, Manitoba have experienced a 43% reduction in Workers Compensation Board (WCB) claims (an 83% reduction over the last four years) and a 68% reduction in its loss time rate.
Similarly, between 2002 and April, 2005, New Flyer’s St. Cloud, Minnesota facility has reduced its WCB claims by 38% and its already low loss time rate by 12%. New Flyer’s Crookston facility has experienced an 84% reduction in its loss time rate since 2002. Further improvements are targeted for 2005.
"Managing occupational health and safety risk is the core operating principle at New Flyer. As a significant employer in Winnipeg and two Minnesota communities, we are pleased to have our efforts acknowledged," said John Marinucci, President and CEO of New Flyer. "Without a safe work environment, we would not be able to deliver the quality products and services our customers demand."
New Flyer’s commitment to health and safety has recently been recognized in Canada by WCB as a significant and positive driving force behind the their success in achieving their SAFE Work goals. Additionally, in April, New Flyer was awarded the Minnesota Governor’s Meritorious Achievement Award for Occupational Health and Safety.
New Flyer’s Executive Safety Committee has developed relationships with state and provincial safety boards to facilitate improved safety training and promote a health and safety culture throughout the organization. Strict processes are in place and every employee has been challenged with identifying, reporting, and correcting safety issues before they result in injuries.
New Flyer’s Environmental Management System is expected to achieve ISO 14001 certification by the second quarter of 2005. New Flyer is committed to OHSAS 18001 certification of its Occupational Health and Safety Management System by the end of the year.
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