Case study: Start up of TPM Safety Pillar
“We are embracing our safety procedures. TPM safety training is essential to reduce accident frequency in our region.”
Elien Smits Supply Chain Strategy Manager
Heineken Central & Eastern Europe, Austria
Using TPM to improve safety performance
across our business
In 2005, Heineken introduced Total Productive Management (TPM) as part of a concerted effort to minimise losses from all aspects of our operations. TPM is rolled out in phases with the introduction of several ‘pillars’, one of which addresses safety.
We have introduced the safety pillar step by step – starting with safety specialists and TPM coordinators in our Western European operations.
Step 1 focuses on defining terms, setting key performance indicators and benchmarking local safety performance in order to agree targets and prioritise actions. Employees are trained to record and analyse safety incidents accurately in order to prepare a Master Plan for remedial action. Step 2 gives employees the tools they need to trace root causes and implement improvements; step 3 shows them how to reduce incidents by improving workplace safety procedures. Employees are taught to ‘tag’ unsafe equipment and actions before moving onto step 4 – the publication of agreed safety standards and procedures for their site, for example wearing the right type and level of personal safety equipment.
TPM safety training gives participants a clear understanding of the root causes and potential consequences of work place accidents. It also provides them with tools to reduce safety hazards and the motivation to take decisive action. All participants commit to complete a safety improvement plan at their site within three months.
Following the successful introduction of the safety pillar in Western Europe, roll-out is now planned for Central & Eastern Europe during 2008.