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The Knoll 8
1. Protection of the Biosphere
2. Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
3. Waste Reduction and Disposal
4. Conservation
5. Risk Reduction
6. Safe Products and Services
7. Environmental Restoration
8. Informing the Public
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5. Risk Reduction
We will strive to minimize the environmental health and safety risks to our associates and the communities
in which we operate through safe technologies, sound transportation practices, safe facilities and operating
procedures, and preparing for emergencies.
We will design our processes to prevent injury to the health and welfare of Knoll associates, the community
and the environment.
- • Knoll facilities overall incident rate in 2009 was 3.91%, which is 1.89% below the industry average of 5.8.
- • The Knoll East Greenville location recertified its “Star” rating under the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration’s OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). The Star rating makes Knoll part of an elite
group of less than 2,400 companies nationwide that have demonstrated exceptional dedication and
commitment to safety.
- • In 2009 the Muskegon facility continued a Kaizen program expanding pedestal fabrication line
improvements to the paint line. Mechanized lifts were installed to raise pedestals onto paint hooks to
minimize lifting and reaching.
- • In Toronto, air compression guns were replaced where feasible by electric guns that are smaller, lighter
and easier to use.
We will develop and implement health and safety policies and programs to help prevent injury and illnesses
to our associates.
- • Knoll facilities conducted continuous ergonomic reviews at workstations under the Knoll Employee Health
and Safety Analysis program. This practice identifies how work processes might be redesigned and what
additional working aids are required.
- • The Muskegon facility instituted a lanyard system and fall protection training in 2009 for Knoll associates
and outside contractors who use lifts to make equipment repairs; and instituted a Personal Protection
Equipment (PPE) program to analyze equipment, identify requirements and provide training.
- • In 2009 Toronto initiated Safety Score Cards to track key safety measurables in each department. The
information elicited will be used by senior management for setting policy and conducting performance reviews.
- • Knoll U.S. manufacturing facilities continued to offer a voluntary stretching program that includes
instruction and 10 minutes of free time at the start of each shift for stretching exercises.
- • All facilities continued to maintain safety teams, regular safety inspections and monthly safety meetings.
We will develop and implement health and wellness awareness and illness prevention programs.
- • Knoll manufacturing facilities continued the hearing conservation program that includes testing of all
workers in in-house hearing booths with physician review of test results, provision of hearing protection
and education.
- • In 2009, Knoll provided free flu shots to associates and their families. Additional nurses were brought in to
administer the program.
- • A successful weight loss program, “Knoll’s Biggest Loser” was instituted in Muskegon in which twenty
five participants followed nutrition and exercise guidelines and attended weekly weigh-ins for six weeks.
- • The Knoll East Greenville, Grand Rapids and Muskegon facilities conducted successful blood drives.
We will design and develop training programs to provide Knoll associates with the necessary skills and
knowledge to fulfill the objectives of the Environmental, Health and Safety Plan.
- • In 2009, Knoll U.S. facilities conducted regular safety meetings, showed safety videos, trained volunteer
safety observers, and created safety posters and newsletters.
- • Knoll facilities continued to train employee First Responder volunteers in CPR, AED (Automated External
Defibrillator) and first aid.
- • In 2009, Knoll EHS teams monitored ISO/OSHA compliance and best practices through uniform procedures in all facilities. The Muskegon facility successfully
completed an unannounced wall-to-wall OSHA audit.
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