Dr. Marcel Simard, Professor of Industrial Sociology at Université de Montréal

Once they have set up efficient safety management systems, companies that have a well-established commitment to safety generally feel a need to focus on processes based on their corporate culture and values in order to continue to improve. Rather than the continuous improvement of resources, the most effective way of managing risks and maintaining a solid safety performance is by training management to constantly encourage employee participation. That's why I'm so pleased about the high level of motivation shown by the employees I have met while implementing this innovative culture-based program.

Marie-Pierre Soury, CEO, Argedis (Total subsidiary that manages the Group’s highway service stations in France)

Our personnel, mainly service station employees, welcomed the survey. They were eager to express their opinions about the business and their work environment. The survey also highlighted that communication between station managers and their teams is seen as a key factor in achieving objectives. The quality of a site's management is particularly important in the retail business, so our 2007 action plan should help to strengthen our safety culture as well as our overall performance.