The first Human Engine, Inc. Safety and Ergonomic Processes Summit at Owens Corning World Headquarters, Toledo, October 24, brought Health and Safety Managers from the region together for benchmarking, sharing, and learning from each other.
Attendees from Visteon, Arvin Meritor, Kellogg, Owens Corning, Tower Automotive, Uni-Solar, Whirlpool, Android Industries, and Federal Mogul came looking for new ways to increase workplace safety, productivity, and the bottom line. “The objective of this summit was to help strengthen and expand the exchanges among the participating companies, and help identify contacts that could provide mentoring or guidance in the enhancement of each ‘critical to success’ component,” said Greg Mans, representing Human Engine, Inc.
Topics covered in the one-day discussion included:
• Critical Elements to a Successful Safety Program
• Training, Culture, and Implementing Change
• Ergonomics and Safety in LEAN
Presentations were given by Jack Nunes, Federal Mogul Corporate Manager of Health & Safety, and Troy Zimmerman, Owens Corning Corporate Safety Manager, who also hosted the event.
The summit was facilitated by Glenn Jimmerson of 21st Century Technologies, six-sigma blackbelt with over 20 years of experience with safety and ergonomics at Ford Motor Company. “I thought the event was outstanding. The participants were very willing to share and were all open to embracing best practices from the other companies. “Glenn Jimmerson reported, “The exchange was very open and beneficial. It was very worthwhile for all in attendance.”
Building on the success of the event, Human Engine, Inc. has proposed a follow-up summit to take place in January 2009. Topics to be discussed include Risk Assessment & Hazard Identification, Change Management/Process, Communication Methods, and the A3-6 Panel Format. “I think there are tremendous opportunities for additional follow-up work as an off-shoot of this event,” said Glenn Jimmerson, who will once again facilitate.
Katherine Gorno, President of Human Engine, Inc., sees tremendous value for everyone involved, “Companies get an opportunity to learn from each other, and with the current economic conditions, it makes sense to join together and create methods of improvement that can be equally beneficial and add value to everyone.” .
