Metro News Release
For immediate release: May 15, 2007
DuPont Safety Resources to Help Metro Create Safer Workplace, Reduce Worker's Compensation Costs
Metro has approved a five-year contract with DuPont Safety Resources to help create a safer worker environment for its employees and reduce workers compensation costs for the transit authority.
The new safety program will set five-year goals for improving Metro’s safety program, changing the culture of the organization, increasing accountability, reducing lost-time injury days, cutting work-related injuries and reducing bus and rail accidents by 50 percent. Under the performance-based contract, DuPont will be compensated only when goals are achieved.
“We’re trying to make this a safer place to work for all Metro employees and a safer riding experience for our customers,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe. “DuPont is one of the safest companies in the world and they can help us be the same.”
The selection of DuPont coincides with Catoe’s desire to conduct a top-to-bottom safety evaluation of Metro’s facilities, an analysis of Metro’s operational procedures and safety training for its employees. Metro’s Board of Directors approved the contract for a safety management assessment enhancement to improve the safety performance and reduce workers’ compensation costs.
Metro spends $17 million on workers compensation claims annually. In fiscal year 2006, Metro received 1,216 worker compensation claims resulting in a loss of 36,284 days of work (the equivalent of 145 full-time employees).
“We are very serious about taking the right steps in creating a safer workplace,” said Gerald C. Francis, Metro’s Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. “Safety starts with every employee. If everyone works together and is committed to creating a safe work environment, the rewards will be beneficial to our employees and customers.”
According to Fred Goodine, Metro’s Assistant General Manager of System Safety and Risk Management, who chaired the safety panel in selecting DuPont, they will employ methods that have worked to change the safety culture of dozens of other companies worldwide such as General Motors, Georgia-Pacific, Exxon, NASA, New York City Transit, and the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority. DuPont consultants will assess Metro’s current approach to safety and then develop customized training for all employees.
“DuPont’s safety management team has to teach our managers and employees that safety is good for them,” said Mr. Francis. “We start from the principle that no one wants to get injured at work. Employees want to go home to their families and enjoy being with them. Additionally, when we’re able to get these costs down, Metro will be one of the lowest-cost major metropolitan operators in the country.”
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News release issued at 12:00 am, May 15, 2007.