MRO Today -John Deere improves workplace, environmental safety

John Deere improves environmental and workplace safety

John Deere operations overall have improved again on key metrics that measure environmental performance and workplace safety, improving the company's leadership position in both areas, according to the Deere & Company Environment, Health and Safety 2000 Annual Review.

In addition, the annual summary reports that the company has been honored with a series of awards for environmental advances and safety performance. The report is now available on the company's website.

In the report, Robert W. Lane, Deere & Company chairman and CEO, said the company's focus on the environment "is not just a goal, it is a commitment to processes embedded in what we do and how we act in designing, manufacturing, and selling our products, underscoring a heritage of dedication to health, safety, and the environment."

Regarding environmental concerns, the report documents company reductions in the amount of waste sent to landfills, the amount of hazardous waste generated and total toxic releases.

The annual review also recaps prestigious recognition earned by John Deere for the company's environmental efforts. Included is a top-of-class AAA rating by the Innovest EcoValue 21 rating process, which is based on environmental efficiency and links the rating to stock performance.

Other recognition came from the U.S. Department of Energy for John Deere's efforts to promote alternative fuels through compressed natural gas engines in shuttle buses, school buses and some trucks.

Also noted was a new two-cycle engine design that uses less fuel and has lower emissions, which was honored by the Environmental Protection Agency with its Clean Air Excellence Award and received the prestigious Richard Huberts Innovation Award in Europe.

Just as significant as the environmental performance is the company's advances in workplace safety. Employees at seven John Deere locations established or retained safety records for their industries, according to the U.S. National Safety Council.

Included among the industry record setters in 2000 were: John Deere Davenport Works, Davenport, Iowa; Deere Credit Services, West Des Moines, Iowa; Funk Manufacturing, Coffeyville, Kan.; John Deere Commercial and Consumer Equipment, Raleigh, N.C.; and John Deere Power Products, Greenville, Tenn.

Overall John Deere and its employees decreased the severity and frequency of on-the-job injuries by 56 percent since 1995. As a result, company units received 32 awards from the U.S. National Safety Council.

The company also said it launched a program that addresses the five most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses reported within the workplace at John Deere.

"Our successes have not and will not be possible without each employee every day looking for ways to make a difference," said Lane. "It is that dedication to meet and exceed expectations that will assure that the John Deere environmental, health and safety experience will build upon its legacy of leadership."