Safety at Honda is more than just a word, it is a way of life. It is a part of producing the safest, highest quality vehicles in the world.
That same commitment to safety can be found in our workplace where empowered associates are a key source of new ideas.
In manufacturing, there is a constant emphasis on safety at all stages of production. It begins early in the product design stage when engineers work closely with manufacturing associates to understand each area and adjust part designs to make new models safer to build. Ideas like larger openings in doors to assemble interior parts and magnets to hold overhead parts in place while they are fastened make associates' jobs better and safer.
This commitment to safety extends into each department where experts are responsible for evaluating the safety of each process. These trained associates analyze jobs and parts installation processes to make recommendations for improvements. Through their work, tools such as lift assists to help install parts and new low vibration tools have been installed throughout the manufacturing process.
Last year our associates submitted more than 700 safety suggestions to improve their work environment. For five of the past seven years, teams of Honda associates - competing against the largest corporations in the world - have won the prestigious Ergo Cup, awarded by the Institute of Industrial Engineers.
Take a look at a few examples of how our Honda associate teams made their jobs easier while improving quality and efficiency.
Honda Accord
When the Honda Accord was redesigned for its eighth generation as an '08 model, many ergonomic improvements were incorporated into the plant and car, to make it easier to build. Take a look at the car and see 11 of the many ways the new Accord was improved for the benefit of the people who drive it, and the people who build it.
Motorized push carts
Associates at the Anna Engine Plant – inspired by watching a motorized wheelchair – had an electrifying idea: Why not design a factory push cart with a 12-volt motor and clutch to move around parts carts that can weigh 1,700 pounds and take 75 pounds of force to push. Today, 22 heavy carts are moved using this invention that requires associate guidance instead of hard pushing. Productivity is up and the patent pending carts make the job easier for associates.
Workplace ergonomics
Honda's President and OSHA's area director at the alliance signing ceremony March 12, 2008.
Honda associates have won international awards for changes they have designed and implemented into their own workplace. Lift assists, height-adjustment systems and tools designed by associates are among the many devices that make each Honda plant an ever-changing place. Honda has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) as a leader in the field of ergonomics among American industrial companies.
Honda's commitment to safety led to an alliance with OSHA in March 2008 that is unique within the automotive industry. The alliance is committed to fostering a safe and healthful workplace by focusing on reducing and preventing catastrophic and serious injuries. It will provide Honda associates and others in the automotive industry with information, guidance and access to resources on best safety and ergonomics practices.
Read OSHA's press release.
