Starting in 2006, Tofaş introduced a ‘Step-by-Step’ approach to occupational safety. Firstly, basic training, coordination with the works trade union, accident analysis and risk analysis were introduced. Then the company worked to establish a culture of safety. Safety management audits and management safety patrols were started. To make this culture sustainable, these innovations were followed by individual initiatives, reliant on the workers themselves. For example, a ‘safety captain’ initiative was introduced, in which responsibility for noticing breaches of safety is rotated among members of a production team. Other schemes included safety controls by checklist at the start of shifts, snapshot patrolling and hazard prediction, actively involving employees from all departments in risk detection and prevention. Marking a first for the industrial sector in Turkey, Tofaş introduced interactive theatre as a means of increasing awareness of safety and reducing unsafe behaviour. With the help of a professional theatre group, specific shop-floor cases were dramatised. The ‘Forum Theatre’ was started in Tofaş’ Body Shop, where a 65% reduction in accidents subsequently occurred. From there, it was extended across the plant in 2010 and 2011, reaching 7,850 employees. The Forum Theatre initiative has since been replicated by other companies in Turkey such as Renault and Bosch. Tofaş’ employees have internalised safety culture and their high level of involvement in safety activities has been increased by collaboration between management and the plant trade union. This project was awarded with the Good Practice Award 2013 of The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA).

Level of Education: Continuing vocational education and training

Lead Organisation: Tofas Türk Otomobil Fabrikası A.S

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