Novartis is committed to providing safe workplaces for all Group company associates and third-party personnel. Since 2004, we have continuously expanded our reporting base from major manufacturing sites to include head offices and sales representatives. In 2008, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) data reporting covers practically 100% of Novartis Group company associates.

Time that Novartis Group company associates spent away from work because of illness or injury decreased in 2008 with the number of lost time cases reducing from 0.42 per 200 000 hours in 2007 to 0.34 in 2008. Such impressive safety performance owes as much to management attention and well-trained associates as to elaborately engineered systems. Indeed, safety culture and behavior-based safety programs are increasingly seen as key to the continued improvement of occupational health and safety over the coming years.

Novartis recognizes its responsibility to promote the health not only of Group company associates, but also of third-party personnel. The number of injuries for this group is shown separately for 2008.

Setting targets for improvement 

Setting targets and monitoring progress against them is an inherent element of the HSE system at Novartis.

HSE targets are set for periods of at least three years to allow better analysis, planning and program implementation. We review progress annually.

Read about our targets and results in the Annual Report

Learn more about our HSE achievements on our corporate citizenship website