From the Readers

Zero injuries most vital

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-04-29 10:00

Having visited many workshops in numerous Chinese and overseas enterprises, I was most recently quite impressed by the notion of "100 Percent Safe - Zero Injuries" offered by a world-renowned entrepreneur.

Speaking at a "Family Day" gathering of Kennametal (China) Co., Ltd in TEDA West, Tianjin, Carlos M. Cardoso, chairman, president and CEO of US-based Kennametal Inc., said "the safety of each employee is the No. 1 concern of the company" and "the safety goal for Kennametal is 100 Percent Safe – Zero Injuries." As one of the participant of the gala, I was quite moved.

Though I agree with the differences between Chinese and overseas entrepreneurial philosophy, though are quite normal, I must say for most of us Chinese entrepreneurial staff, we have to learn from good managerial motto from around the world.

For most of the time, I have been bombarded with numerous urges as well as Narcissism of "profits", plant and staff expansion while visiting Chinese businesses, the call from the Kennametal chief is strikingly new to me. He was clear in declaring that "I believe that nothing is more important or basic than creating and maintaining a completely safe work environment, and one of us should settle for anything less."

I firmly believe that the Chinese employees (and their family members) at Kennametal (China) Co., Ltd will also be moved by the clear message of "Zero Injuries". As their enthusiasm is aroused, a good entrepreneurial environment will be accordingly created. That's why Kennametal Inc. is a world leader in its industry.

John Chang, president for Asia Pacific of Kennametal Inc., affirmed that the products at Kennametal (China) Co., Ltd in Tianjian are among the best in its plants around the world, as the employees are hard working.

Dale Cui, general manager of Kennametal (China) Co., Ltd., noted that for years, his factory has been following stressing the ideas of safety ever since Kennametal started its mining and construction tools business in China in the early 1990s, and the new urge from Cardoso will now be a guiding line in their daily operations.

Sunny Ma, via e-mail from Tianjin