Health and safety performance 2008

Novartis is committed to providing safe workplaces for all its 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, HSE data reporting covers practically 100% of Novartis employees.

By end of 2008, 15 Novartis sites out of 219 reporting units worldwide had remained accident-free for more than four years. Such stellar 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 its associates, but also of Third Party Personnel. The number of injuries or fatalities in this group is shown separately for 2008.