Bridgestone has prepared a response plan for situations that are critical to operations: This is why the Latin America North (BS-LAN) region has a Crisis Committee (CC) that offers decision makers the tools they need to respond quickly, effectively, efficiently and in a structured manner in the event of a crisis situation. The plan has been designed by Bridgestone Americas to comprehensively cover situations, such as those that:
• Require steps to be taken by national leaders in the country affected to resolve situations that could have an impact on human health, security, the environment or on the operations’ assets and reputation.
• Require steps to be taken by the organizations in the country affected with the support and leadership of BATO-LA (Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Latin America) or any of the company’s business units operating in the country in question, as is deemed necessary.
Bridgestone Costa Rica underwent the BASC (Business Alliance for Secure Commerce) recerti cation process, successfully maintaining its ISO 9001:2008 and ISO TS certifications. Emergency Committees have been set up in each area within the region, with members being trained and crisis simulation exercises implemented.
The Bridgestone Latin America North (BS-LAN) Crisis Committee is of fundamental importance given that it guarantees business continuity during crisis situations. This committee decides those situations that merit a response at a corporate level and those situations in which the regions have the authority and responsibility to act and communicate.
Training and Response Plans
With the aim of implementing a training program and ensuring improved responses to critical situations, Bridgestone Costa Rica trains its employees, contractors and transport providers in crisis management and safety procedures.
In 2016, 21 employees received training in crisis situations and business continuity. In terms of safety issues, 204 employees and 78 external personnel (contractors and transport providers) were trained.
In addition to these training programs, Bridgestone’s Communications team coordinated a media training course for spokespersons for Bridgestone Costa Rica, Bridgestone Shared Services Center and Firestone Industrial Products. A total of 18 executives received training.