Over the course of the last two years, one of the top priorities for Caterpillar Marine Power Systems has been safety, not only of employees, but also of the customers who operate Cat® and MaK marine engines around the world every day. Internally, Caterpillar facilities are measured monthly by safety metrics recording new injuries, recordable injuries and lost time injuries. By establishing metrics on the production floor and in the office environment, employees have been more aware of eliminating safety hazards to protect themselves and their colleagues.
Three Caterpillar facilities focused on the manufacture of marine engines have recently celebrated milestones demonstrating the keen focus on safety:
– On 10 March 2010, Caterpillar Motoren Guangdong Co., Ltd. in Shunde, China, celebrated 1800 days without a lost time injury, marking five years without a severe injury! In addition, they achieved 615 days with zero recordable injuries. – On 09 March 2010, Wimborne Marine Power Centre in Wimborne, Dorset, United Kingdom, was recognized for 700 days with no recordable injuries or lost time injuries. – On 18 March 2010, Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG in Kiel, Germany, celebrated 365 days with zero recordable injuries.
“These are wonderful accomplishments and I am proud of the focus we continue to give to safety,” explained Richard Case, Vice President of Marine & Petroleum Power Division. “Our goal is Vision Zero – meaning every employee will come to work and go home the same way – injury free. That is our goal and what we continue to strive for in the office and on the line.”
Along with safety in the office and the factory, Caterpillar understands the volatile and unpredictable nature of the sea makes the marine world an exciting and often dangerous place to work. Hazards are presented by equipment in the engine room and on deck, other vessels, fire and even the sea itself. Caterpillar is proud to offer free safety videos, safety toolbox talks and safety checklists for all customers on SAFETY.CAT.COM™ to ensure workers in ocean-going, governmental and commercial operations are aware of industry specific hazards and trained in site safety. Additionally, customers can register for online training modules to help create a vision of safety. Since many marine accidents are preventable, companies must promote health and safety at work by encouraging safe workplace practices.