Samsung called safest workplace in the world
Samsung called safest workplace in the world
The National Safety Council (NSC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving life and protecting health, presented a special award to Samsung Electronics, Ltd. recently recognizing Samsung Electronics for operating "the safest workplace in the world."
Sept. 17, 1999, the Samsung Electronics semiconductor complex at Kiheung, Korea, was officially entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for achieving 211.6 million hours without a lost-time injury. The safety record at that time spanned 104 months, from November 1991 to August 1998. The record has since been extended to more than 250 million hours and 119 months.
The Kiheung complex employs 10,000 people and is a world leader in the production of semiconductor chips and LCD panels. The "World’s Safest Workplace" record was previously held by the Kanagawa plant of Japan’s Hitachi Corp. in 1991 when it reached 116.24 million accident-free labor hours. The record remained unbroken for seven years. "Samsung Electronics sets a standard for managing safety that businesses throughout the world can emulate," says Alan McMillan, NSC executive vice president and COO. He adds that the Samsung safety record is especially impressive, considering the dangers that are posed to the plant employees when handling toxic chemicals and materials used in their production processes.
McMillan presented the award to Yoon-Woo Lee, president of the Samsung Electronics Semiconductor Division in ceremonies at the Kiheung complex. "Management Policy at Samsung Electronics makes safety and environmental issues the top priority," McMillan said.
"This priority is evidenced by an investment of $16 billion Korean won in 1998 (approximately $14 million in today’s U.S. dollars) on safety training, new environmental protection, safety equipment purchases, and facility upgrades," he added. "It also is evidenced by the safety management system, the active role each employee plays in the safety process, and the employment of [more than] 150 safety engineers at the Kiheung complex."
In his remarks, McMillan also noted the outstanding environmental performance at Samsung Electronics, which was recognized by an award from President Clinton in 1998. The National Safety Council is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting life, preserving health and reducing injuries in the workplace, on the road, and in homes and communities.
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