Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products, as well as a provider of related services for the consumer and pharmaceutical and medical devices and diagnostics markets, has been awarded the 2012 Corporate Health Achievement Award (CHAA) by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM). JNJ received the award because of its long history of commitment to the safety and health of its workers - a commitment that stretches back to the creation of its Credo in the 1940s.
The Corporate Health Achievement Award (CHAA) recognizes quality occupational and environmental health programs, identifies model programs and outstanding practices with measurable results, and encourages organizational self-assessment and continuous improvement. Recipients of the annual award are judged on the strength of their health and safety programs for individual employees, their comprehensive programs to protect the environment, their strong leadership and management, and for their sustainable efforts to create an overall work culture that emphasizes healthy lifestyles and safety consciousness. Only organizations with the most exemplary health and safety practices are considered for the award.
In 2007, JNJ developed a new set of formal goals in two categories - Safe People and Healthy People - to build upon success and to further improve the health and safety of its workforce. The company has consistently met these goals, creating innovative programs along the way. With its on-site health clinics and fitness centers and the fact that 90% of employees have access to 12 "culture of health" programs (tobacco-free, HIV policy, health profile, employee assistance, physical activity, medical surveillance, health promotion, stress management, cancer awareness, healthy eating, return-to-work, and travel health), the CHAA recognizes JNJ's leadership in occupational health. The company also set a series of long-term milestones across a range of environmental impacts - including Pollution Prevention, Next Generation and Healthy Planet 2010 Goals. Its Healthy Future 2015 goals define its strategy for the next five years, representing its broadest and boldest efforts yet.
This is the second time Johnson & Johnson has been honored as a recipient of the CHAA. The company won its first award in 1998, but elected not to rest on its laurels. JNJ re-applied for the award this year so as to demonstrate how their programs have matured, to pledge to continue to provide world-class health and safety programs for their employees, and to commit to continuous quality improvement across all health and safety programs.
With more than 250 operating companies employing approximately 115,000 people in 60 countries, Johnson & Johnson has enabled its employees worldwide to be healthy, fully engaged, and productive. J&J works to achieve this by creating, promoting, and sustaining a global culture of health supported by consistent, competitive health programs and in so doing leads in business by leading in health. For more than 30 years, J&J has provided the resources for employees to recognize and change behaviors that threaten their health.
"When we speak of "a culture of health" we mean "health" in the true sense of the word - a condition in which employees' physical well-being is optimized by the environment and philosophy of the company they work for," said ACOEM President Warner Hudson III, MD. "Johnson & Johnson exemplifies this approach through its innovative and exemplary health care programs, and as such it is entirely fitting that its accomplishments be recognized through the CHAA."
The Corporate Health Achievement Award was established in 1997 as way of encouraging healthier and safer work environments and recognizes quality occupational and environmental health programs. The ACOEM award program is considered to be the most rigorous and comprehensive of its kind, requiring extensive documentation from companies about their programs and practices and an onsite visit by a team of ACOEM evaluators.
"With passage of health reform legislation, it is more important than ever for employers to help their employees stay healthy and productive. ACOEM is redoubling its efforts at making sure the employer community is aware of innovations that can help in this effort," said Dr. Hudson. "The CHAA program is a great way to share the best ideas about improving employee health in the nation."
Applicants in the competition receive detailed feedback from ACOEM on their programs regardless of whether they receive an award or not, which helps raise awareness of best practices and, in the long run, improves standards for employee health and safety. "Safer, healthier workplaces mean increased productivity, more job satisfaction, less harmful environmental impact and enhanced community relationships," said Dr. Hudson.
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