Chrysler 2014 Annual Report Download - page 127

2014 | ANNUAL REPORT 125
Diversity within an organization is closely correlated to the ability to innovate. To help foster creativity at all levels
within the organization, the Group has set a long-term goal to increase employee contribution through new initiatives
and channels. As part of the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) program, for example, employees worldwide are
encouraged to submit suggestions to improve production processes. Specific initiatives in each region are also
designed to increase employee involvement and encourage innovative ideas through the use of non-traditional
channels and forums. At the FCA US Headquarters and Technology Center, there is a dedicated Innovation Space,
which serves as a genuine think tank equipped with tools and materials for idea development. In 2014, nearly 50
training and workshop activities, involving roughly 750 employees, were held in the Innovation Space. In the LATAM
region, the BIS program allowed the collection of about 1,500 employee projects in 2014.
The EMEA region launched the iPropose initiative in 2012, which, similar to the BIS program, is designed to encourage
employees to propose ideas to reduce cost and increase competitiveness. In 2014, an additional 3,500 employees
joined the initiative. The adoption of the best suggestions, as well as the implementation of specific projects led by
interfunctional teams and aimed at optimizing value of product and services (e.g. packaging, transportation).
Health and Safety in the Workplace
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment at every site worldwide
and in every area of activity.
The Group’s health and safety strategy targets the following key areas:
application of uniform procedures for identification and evaluation of risks
adherence to the highest safety and ergonomics standards for plant and machinery design
promotion of safe behavior through training initiatives and awareness campaigns
assurance of a healthy work environment and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
For several years, FCA has been tracking and analyzing performance data in each of these areas on a monthly basis.
Health and safety performance indicators are, in fact, an integral component of the Group’s industrial performance
measures.
The commitment to achieving “zero accidents” is formalized in the Health and Safety Guidelines - which form the basis
for policies in each area of activity - and through global adoption of an Occupational Health and Safety Management
System (OHSMS) certified to the OHSAS 18001 standard.
At year-end 2014, a total of 134 plants, accounting for 170,000 employees, had an OHSMS in place that was OHSAS
18001 certified.
Measures implemented over the years have contributed to significant improvements in all accident indicators. In 2014,
the Frequency Rate was down 21.1% compared with the prior year (with 0.15 accidents per 100,000 hours worked)
and the Severity Rate was down 16.7% (with 0.05 days absence due to accidents per 1,000 hours worked).
Effective safety management is also assured through the application of World Class Manufacturing tools and
methodologies, active involvement of employees, development of specific know-how and targeted investment.
In Italy, investment in health and safety, combined with other measures, has resulted in a progressive reduction in the
level of risk attributed to Group plants by INAIL, the national accident and disability agency. As a result, the Group was
eligible for “good performer” premium discounts, resulting in total savings of about €16 million in 2012, €14.6 million
in 2013 and €18.4 million in 2014.
In addition to safety in the workplace, the Group also has numerous initiatives to promote the health and well-being of
employees and their families.
One example is represented by the FCA “WELL” initiative that promotes a healthy lifestyle and prevention of
cardiovascular disease. This focus on healthy lifestyles is reflected in the Group’s sponsorship of Expo 2015, which is
dedicated to the theme “access to food that is healthy, safe and sufficient for everyone on the planet.”