22 May 2003
BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS) received the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine's 2003 Corporate Health Achievement Award, May 7.
The award, presented at ACOEM's annual conference in Atlanta, was given to IEWS' Medical Director, Dr. Robert Godefroi and Medical Services Manager Catherine M. Pepler. The award recognises achievements focusing on employee health, safety and environmental management, particularly innovative health and safety programmes.
ACOEM cited BAE Systems efforts in two areas: its comprehensive programme to reduce cumulative trauma disorder injuries and the chemical/materials safety programme.
Since 1993, the medical department has routinely conducted, then assessed the effectiveness of, ergonomic evaluations at employee work sites. To date, the 9-year-old programme has saved an estimated $7.7 million in reported cumulative trauma injury and lost workday costs. "Employee experience and skills are the most valuable asset of our business," said Godefroi, "so retaining that experience and those skills adds much to the bottom line of our business." In addition, the award cited the expanded on-site health clinic program at IEWS' New Hampshire facilities. The 2-year-old on-site ambulatory care programme saves employees up to three hours in lost-work time per visit and offers the business unit an annual $200,000 saving", Godefroi said.
A chemical/materials committee reviews all new chemicals and hazardous substances prior to their purchase or use as well as internal transfer and training protocols. In 2001, the committee evaluated, or provided training in the use of, nearly 660 chemicals. "BAE Systems is the largest manufacturing employer in New Hampshire and, like any responsible corporate citizen, is committed to environmental protection", said Godefroi of IEWS chemical and material review process.
ACOEM, founded in 1916, is an international medical speciality society of more than 6,000 occupational and environmental medicine physicians and other health professionals. The award, honouring North American corporations and institutions, recognises innovation and excellence in employee health, safety and environmental management. Previous award winners include Bristol-Myers Squibb, Dow Chemical Company, Eli Lilly and Company, and IBM.
