Annual Report 2010 - Knorr-Bremse AG.

120 RepoR t | KnoRR-BR e MSe GR o U p
mercial vehicle air systems by switching the air supply compressor on and off according to the driving
situation, saving up to 2.5 tons of CO 2
emissions per vehicle per year.
Environmental protection and workplace health & safety
In 2001 Knorr-Bremse launched a process of certifying the Group’s rail and commercial vehicle sites
according to the ISO 14001 environmental management standard. This program continued in 2010,
with sites in Johannesburg (South Africa) and Guangzhou (China) achieving certification. As part of its
global health and safety and environmental policy Knorr-Bremse also takes a systematic approach to
workplace safety. Having long since achieved certification of virtually all its European sites, confirming
their compliance with the international occupational health and safety standard OHSAS 18001, the
company is now rolling out a program of external auditing of its other sites world-wide.
In 2010 the sites in Suzhou and Shanghai (China) as well as Westminster (USA) achieved OHSAS 18001
certification. In order to minimize environmental impact and energy consumption at new sites from
the very outset, Knorr-Bremse has drawn up a list of requirements in the form of a “Green Building
Guideline”. The idea is that intelligent planning can reduce the environmental impact and resource
requirements of new buildings and create a pleasant and healthy working atmosphere for employees.
Health promotion
Knorr-Bremse regards health promotion as an important duty, and its health facilities and measures
are designed for young and old alike. At its European sites the company increasingly has to adjust to
an aging workforce. Many sites run special sports programs and health campaigns aimed at promoting
employees’ health and wellbeing, maintaining their ability to give of their best and encouraging
communication and a team spirit. Health days and health fairs are also used to raise awareness and
show employees what is on offer. Knorr-Bremse’s subsidiary Bendix has already attracted several
awards for the measures it has taken at its four North American sites, where health programs include
mammography check-ups provided by the company medical service, a slimming program entitled
“Weight Watchers@Work”, an in-company fitness center, cardiovascular training, free blood tests for