Ford Partners with UAW, MIOSHA To Improve Workplace Safety

In an effort to further emphasize the importance of employee health and safety conditions in its Michigan manufacturing facilities, Ford Motor Company and Automotive Components Holdings (ACH) have renewed a partnership with the United Auto Workers (UAW), the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).

The partnership agreement covers all Ford Motor Company manufacturing facilities, including the company’s ACH locations. The agreement aims to continuously reduce work-related injuries and illnesses at the company’s Michigan manufacturing locations by optimizing the resources of the partners in the development and administration of plant health and safety standards.

“Combining the leadership and resources of Ford, ACH, the UAW and MIOSHA creates a dynamic team as we continue to work together to improve our standards of health and safety in our plants,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford Motor Company vice president, North America Manufacturing. “Ford is proud of its history in Michigan – we know that safety always must be top of mind, and we welcome the opportunity this agreement provides.”

Together, the partners are developing a process for data reviews and issue resolution, as well as coordinating site visits and monitoring inspections. Inspection protocols include but are not limited to ergonomics, heat stress, electrical safety, working at heights, noise control and personal protective equipment.

“Through this agreement, we will continue working to create a safe and productive environment for UAW members at Ford and ACH,” said UAW vice president Jimmy Settles, who directs the union’s National Ford Department. “Workplace safety is paramount for our union. It’s important our members know we’re working together with Ford and MIOSHA and that everyone in the organization is empowered to focus on safe work practices.”

Under the agreement, Ford, ACH and the UAW will track plant health and safety incidents, submit an annual safety report to MIOSHA and hold an annual plant review with MIOSHA representatives. MIOSHA also will conduct an informal walkthrough of the facility during this review and may return to a facility if it requires further data or reviews of specific health and safety issues. Company and union representatives will meet with MIOSHA to conduct annual review.

“We are proud to sign this formal partnership with Ford, ACH and the UAW, which represents nine years of collaboration to protect automotive workers,” said Steve Arwood, deputy director, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. “Ford is one of Michigan’s exemplary partnerships and we applaud their dedication to workplace safety.” 

In December 2000, Ford first entered into a similar partnership with the UAW and the federal OSHA, which was the first of its kind between an automotive manufacturer, employee union and government agency. Since then, injury rates have declined in Ford’s North America facilities by 72 percent, and the partners have collaborated on other strategic health and safety initiatives.

(This press release was submitted by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs)