NSC honors DaimlerChrysler Mexico for safety efforts

Alan C. McMillan, the president and chief executive officer of the National Safety Council (NSC), and president of the International Safety Council, recently presented DaimlerChrysler Mexico with 18 National Safety Council awards for outstanding safety performance. DaimlerChrysler Mexico is the first automotive manufacturer in Mexico to receive these awards.

“During a tour of your facility, I learned first-hand how DaimlerChrysler is furthering its global reputation as a best-in-class safety organization throughout Mexico,” said McMillan.

Seven DaimlerChrysler Mexico operations were recognized for outstanding safety in key performance areas. The 18 awards were given to:

• Toluca Assembly – Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible. NSC Awards: Perfect Record, Significant Improvement, Million Work Hours, Lift Truck Operator
• Saltillo Truck Assembly – Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4x2 and 4x4, Dodge Ram Regular Cab 4x2 and 4x4, Dodge Ram Mega Cab 4x2 and 4x4, Dodge Ram Chassis-Cab. NSC Awards: Significant Improvement, Million Work Hours, Lift Truck Operator
• Saltillo Engine – 2.0-liter/2.4-liter DOHC engines, 2.4-liter turbo engine, 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI engine and 6.1-liter V-8 engine. NSC Awards: Significant Improvement, Lift Truck Operator
• Toluca Stamping – Body panels for Chrysler PT Cruiser and PT Cruiser Convertible. NSC Awards: Perfect Record, Significant Improvement, Million Work Hours
• Saltillo Stamping – Body Panels for Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4x2 and 4x4, Ram Regular Cab 4x2 and 4x4, Dodge SRT10, Dodge Ram Mega Cab 4x2 and 4x4, Dodge Ram Chassis-Cab. NSC Awards: Perfect Record, Lift Truck Operator
• Toluca Parts Distribution Center – Distributes and sells parts and accessories to DaimlerChrysler’s dealer network. NSC Awards: Perfect Record, Lift Truck Operator
• Santa Fe General Offices – General office for sales, manufacturing, production and procurement and supply in Mexico. NSC Awards: Perfect Record, Million Work Hours

“Since 1999, DaimlerChrysler has been trying to close the gap with other automotive manufacturers,” said James Thomas, director of health, safety and medical operations, Chrysler Group. “As recognized by the National Safety Council’s evaluations, DaimlerChrysler has made great progress in safety and health awareness programs.”

Five facilities received awards for a minimum of 480 consecutive work hours without an accident or property damage involving a lift truck. Four received “Significant Improvement Awards” for having reduced the number of injuries and illnesses involving days away from work by 20 percent from the previous year. Five locations received “Perfect Record Awards” recognizing facilities that have completed a period of 12 consecutive months without one occupational injury or illness that resulted in days away from work. Two received the “1 Million Work Hours Award” and another two received “6 Million Work Hours Award” for consecutive work hours without an injury or illness that resulted in days away from work. This award is rarely given because it requires consecutive years of achieving zero injuries and illnesses to attain.
An even rarer safety award, “10 Million Hours Award” was presented to Toluca Assembly for outstanding safety accomplishment for consecutive work hours without an injury or illness that resulted in days away from work.

“The management and employees of this facility are to be commended for their commitment toward achieving this remarkable distinction,” said McMillan.

In addition to the awards in Mexico, the Company was recently recognized in the U.S. and Canada for innovative health and safety programs which dramatically improved the rates of work-related injuries. This is the fourth year in a row that the Chrysler Group has received major national recognition for its safety efforts. In 2003 the company was named one of the nation's safest companies by Occupational Hazards Magazine. In 2004, it received the National Safety Council's prestigious Green Cross for Safety Medal and the Canada Award for Excellence, followed in 2005 by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine's (ACOEM) Corporate Health Achievement Award. DaimlerChrysler is the only automotive company to have ever received these awards.

The National Safety Council was formed nearly 100 years ago out of a concern for the safety of workers. DaimlerChrysler shares the National Safety Council’s history and historical commitment to protecting the safety and health of its workers and the driving public.

DaimlerChrysler has been a member of the National Safety Council since 1922.