Overview of OSHA and The Dow Chemical Company Case Studies Contractor Safety Motor Carrier Safety Motor Vehicle Accidents Ergonomics The views expressed in these case studies do not necessarily represent the official position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor.

OSHA’s Mission Assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working conditions.

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Case Studies –Detailed analysis of a safety and health problem or issue and its solution –Approximately 2000 words Success Stories –Shorter version of case study –Reviews a safety and health process or program that led to improved safety and health Case Studies and Success Stories

OSHA and The Dow Chemical Company Case Studies Case Study Topics –Contractor Safety –Motor Carrier Safety –Motor Vehicle Accidents –Ergonomics Case Study Format –Identify the problem –Describe the solution –Summarize the results

Contractor Safety: Texas Operations Contractor Alliance for Safety Problem: How to improve safety performance of Dow’s contractors Solution –Formation of Texas Operations Contractor Alliance for Safety (TOCAS) made up of senior managers from Dow and contractors –TOCAS basic elements are similar to elements of a safety and health management system –TOCAS committees provide training for and analyze performance of all first line supervisors and safety contacts

Contractor Safety: Texas Operations Contractor Alliance for Safety Results –OSHA recordable rate dropped 95 percent –Similar contractor safety organizations established at other Dow facilities –Contractors leverage expertise and solutions to improve safety performance –OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) recognition

Motor Carrier Safety: A Collaborative Approach to Reducing Motor Carrier Incidents Problem: How to reduce accidents by Dow’s motor carrier contractors Solution: Working collaboratively with a motor carrier to implement a safety-based performance program to reduce rear-end collisions

Motor Carrier Safety: A Collaborative Approach to Reducing Motor Carrier Incidents Results –82% reduction in rear-end collisions –Reduced fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and insurance premiums –Dow extended program to all major motor carriers

Motor Vehicle Accidents: The Dow Chemical Company’s Use of “Six Sigma” Methodology Problem: How to reduce motor vehicle accidents Solution –Use “Six Sigma” to identify root causes of motor vehicle accidents –Develop and implement driver procedures to address risk factors

Motor Vehicle Accidents: The Dow Chemical Company’s Use of “Six Sigma” Methodology Results –30% reduction in motor vehicle accidents –Adoption of training materials at other Dow businesses –Likely reduction of motor vehicle accidents outside working hours

Ergonomics: The Dow Chemical Company’s Use of “Six Sigma” Methodology Problem: How to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among computer users Solution –Use “Six Sigma” to identify primary contributing factors of MSDs –Take steps to reduce those contributing factors by 70%

Ergonomics: The Dow Chemical Company’s Use of “Six Sigma” Methodology Results –MSD risk factors reduced by 64% since baseline –Employees more proactive in addressing ergonomic issues –Sustainable results –Reduced severity in ergonomic injuries company-wide