September 27, 2024 , Toronto – Stellantis Canada received top honors from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) for its ergonomics program, which is helping to prevent the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) in the workplace. MSDs and RSIs are terms used to describe painful disorders affecting tendons, muscles, nerves and joints in the neck, shoulder, arms and hands. The award was presented to the company during the CCOHS banquet on Sept. 26.
“The well-being, health and safety of our employees is a top priority within the organization,” said Tobin J. Williams, senior vice president for human resources, Stellantis North America. “Receiving this award reinforces our commitment to continuing to provide a comfortable, efficient and safe work environment. And that requires the support and focus of everyone throughout the organization – from top leadership to the shop floor.”
As a result of their efforts, Stellantis’ Canadian facilities have reduced MSD and RSI injuries by 20% from last year among employees, including non-production workers. This was accomplished by understanding and leveraging ergonomics principles that play an important role in manufacturing, particularly focusing on the relationship between a worker and their environment. Identifying, assessing and eliminating risk contribute to preventing injury and illness while also improving overall well-being, health and safety.
For example, the Windsor Assembly Plant ergonomics team, along with production operators, team leaders and management, participated in an initial round of in-plant data collection to support an innovation project in collaboration with the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) and the University of Windsor. The project used motion capture technology to capture real world automotive specific tasks and postures for use in digital human modeling software. This improves assessment efficiency, identifies risk factors and provides meaningful solutions toward reducing injury and illness.
“Our policies and practices have been developed and refined to ensure our ergonomic programs are leading edge,” said Chris Pearson, vice president of well-being, health and safety, Stellantis North America. “As our operations in Canada evolve, we know that it is imperative that we continue to integrate technology to support and protect our employees.”
From the initial design phases to daily production site activities, Stellantis’ approach to ergonomics focuses on improving the workplace/operator interface through integration of standards, identifying risk and effective solutions and using advanced tools, such as digital human modeling software and virtual reality, in the early phases of design.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
CCOHS was established in 1978 by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Act, which was passed by unanimous vote in the Canadian Parliament. CCOHS promotes the total well-being – physical, psychosocial and mental health – of working Canadians by providing information, training, education, management systems and solutions that support health, safety and wellness programs. A federal department corporation, CCOHS is governed by a tripartite Council – representing government, employers and labour – to ensure a balanced, approach to workplace health and safety issues. We offer a range of workplace health and safety services to help your organization raise awareness, assess risks, implement prevention programs, and improve health, safety and well-being.
Stellantis North America
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) is one of the world’s leading automakers, aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility for all. In North America, it’s best known for producing and selling vehicles in a portfolio of iconic, innovative and award-winning brands, including Jeep®, Chrysler, Dodge//SRT, Ram, Alfa Romeo and Fiat. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, while creating added value for all stakeholders.
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