But there's a critical underlying cultural element, based on the values of sincerity, trust, and commitment, says June Brothers, senior manager for human resources for building products. She is responsible for the 130 Georgia-Pacific plants that employ more than 46,000 workers and averaged a total OSHA recordables rate of 2.7 in 1995, compared to an industry average of 9.0. Employees look out for one another, coach each other in safety rules, and let co-workers know they don't want to see them injured, he says. Five safety committees support the culture. Four are completely in the hands of employees.
Workers design the safety processes and enforce rules.
Harris acts as a facilitator for the committees, pulling them together. But he stays out of decision-making. The fifth committee, called the VPP committee, is made up of management and union officials. It's their job to make sure paperwork and safety processes follow VPP requirements. Plant Manager Martin Shorey makes it clear employee safety is a top priority.