NACD Member Companies 2009 Safety Rating is Twice as Good as All Manufacturing Says New Report

LA QUINTA, Calif., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) today released its 2010 Membership & Safety Report.  The Report, based on 2009 data, states, "NACD member companies 2009 safety rating is 30% better than non-member companies in the Industry and more than twice as good as all manufacturing combined."  Every five seconds NACD member companies deliver products to their customers, who represent virtually every industry in the United States.

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These results are remarkable in a difficult economy.  NACD members remained focused on safety and performance through Responsible Distribution, even as the markets were continuing to pressure their bottom line.  Total miles driven by all industry decreased by 20% while shipments rose by 13% over 2008 numbers.    

NACD member companies also reduced non-vehicular reportable accidents or spills by the significant amount of 36%.  The number of U.S. fatalities occurring onsite at NACD member companies as a result of incidents remained at zero.

"NACD's member companies clearly are committed to the safety of employees, communities, and the products which they handle.  Our members are a pivotal link in the U.S. chemical industry supply chain," said NACD President Chris Jahn. "Responsible Distribution is a framework that our member companies and chemical handler affiliates use to not only manage their environmental, health, safety, and security (EHS&S) areas of operations but consistently improve them each year.  Information gathered from our member companies in this report show a dedication to excellence."

The report also stated that NACD member companies are responsible for more than 136,000 direct and indirect jobs in the United States, accounted for $18.6 billion in sales, and operate in all 50 states through more than 1300 facilities.

NACD began tracking the results of its membership and performance data on a voluntary basis in 2001. In 2005, NACD members voted and accepted the mandatory submission of an annual survey as a condition of membership; the data in the 2010 Report is based on submissions from the NACD regular membership and are based on 2009 results.

NACD and its 390 member companies and affiliates are vital to the chemical supply chain providing products to over 750,000 end users.  They make a delivery every five seconds while maintaining a safety record that is more than twice as good as the safety standards set by DOT.  NACD members are leaders in health, safety, security, and environmental performance through implementation of Responsible Distribution, established in 1991 as a condition of membership and is a third-party verified management practice.  For additional information on our members, their safety record or NACD, visit NACD's website — http://www.nacd.com.

SOURCE National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD)