Timken developed a “team-based” health and safety management system auditing process in 2006. Each team includes both corporate and plant health and safety professionals, utilizing talent within the company rather than outsourcing to a third-party auditor.

Eight plants in the U.S. and Europe were audited as part of the 2006 pilot program. To evaluate the components of a plant’s health and safety management system, the teams reviewed Accident Prevention Plans and other applicable documents and records and interviewed associates, supervisors and managers.

“The audits provide valuable feedback to local plant leadership teams for improving safety performance,” said Ken Kushner, Canton, Ohio-based manager of health and safety. “They also provide an opportunity for our plant safety coordinators to share best practices. We have team-based audits scheduled at 20 plants in 2007.”