Maruti Suzuki wins National Safety Award

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has won the prestigious National Safety Award for the year 2009, in the accident free category of the automobile manufacturers. The award is instituted by the Directorate General, Factory Advice Service and Labour Institute (DGFASLI) under the aegis of Ministry of Labour and Employment. These annual awards recognize companies and institutes which have accorded high importance to work place safety and institutionalized `safety as a culture’ in their work places. DGFASLI is India’s premier government institution for Industrial Safety. Union Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge felicitated C.S. Raju, Chief General Manager, HR, with the award. The occasion was graced by presence of S.Y. Siddiqui, Managing Executive Officer (Administration) and M.M. Singh, Managing Executive Officer (Production). At the felicitation, Siddiqui said, “I dedicate this award to our people. This award showcases our belief that a safe work environment is essential to maintain optimal manpower productivity and high quality output.” Explaining the safety initiatives at Maruti Suzuki Singh added, “I am delighted that the good work of our colleagues across the company’s shopfloors and facilities has been accorded this National recognition. Some unique initiatives at Maruti Suzuki include practicing Kiken Yochi (KYT) developing sub-conscious competence to remain safe in all types of conditions. To strengthen the safety initiatives the Company has dedicated Safety and Welfare teams with over 120 safety co-coordinators or volunteers and a top management led, Central Safety Leadership Council. Participative programmes such as Suggestion Schemes, Quality Circles, and Kaizens have helped to integrate Safety into the employees’ routine way of life.” Maruti Suzuki has several initiatives to ensure high safety awareness across the company including an online reporting system through which all incidents, including near misses are reported. In line with its commitment, Maruti Suzuki has adopted `Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (OSH-MS)’ across the Company last year. The award validates Maruti Suzuki’s strong commitment, towards implementing highest Safety standards in respective work areas thereby making it an accident free workplace.