Sodexo Launches Zero October to Increase Safety and Facilitate Zero-Harm Culture

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of its commitment to improving workplace safety and reducing injuries, Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services, launched Zero October last month, a month-long initiative dedicated to facilitating a zero-harm culture at all Sodexo work sites. The initiative was supported by Sodexo's ongoing Have A Safe Day program, which encourages employees at all levels to have conversations about safety.

In the United States, private employers reported 2.9 million workplace related injuries and illnesses in 2015, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than half of that number involved days away from work, a job transfer, or restriction of job activities.

"The workplace today has vastly improved in terms of health and safety compared to more  than 43 years ago, prior to the creation of OSHA and similar agencies and organizations, said Frank Romeo, senior director, safety and health, Sodexo. "In North America, Sodexo is responsible for the safety of 133,000 employees and 15 million customers at 9,000 locations every day. The most important number of all, however, is zero—a zero-harm culture that facilitates workplaces with zero injuries."

Over 6,000 Sodexo locations in North America were injury-free last year, and the company's Have A Safe Day campaign successfully reduced injuries by 13 percent. Zero October was designed to drive that success even further, ensuring that all Sodexo employees make a personal safety pledge.

Another way that Zero October sparked change was by creating tactics to change behavior with a three point checklist for employees to consider about their jobs. It posed the questions: Do you know how to do your job? Do you have the right equipment? Is my environment safe? These three questions help all Sodexo employees ensure they have proper training, resources, and environment for a zero-harm culture. It also gives them the power to make change if they do not.

Safety is part of Sodexo's culture, and Zero October is the latest initiative designed to ensure that all Sodexo employees and customers are safe, happy and healthy.

Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.

Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.

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