Textron Named One of America’s Safest Companies

Company is one of 18 named to Occupational Hazards’ 2008 list

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) has been named one of America’s Safest Companies in 2008 by Occupational Hazards magazine, a national publication for occupational safety and health professionals. The award is presented annually and recognizes companies for outstanding safety processes, health and training programs as well as a strong commitment from management and employees.

“Textron is honored to be recognized as one of America’s Safest Companies,” said Lewis B. Campbell, Textron chairman, president and CEO. “We are committed to the health and safety of our employees, contractors and communities and actively champion environmentally sound practices and safe behaviors, and this honor exhibits that dedication. All 44,000 Textron employees around the globe should feel proud of this recognition and honor.”

Textron has seen a 75 percent reduction in injuries and illnesses in recent years and currently has 18 facilities worldwide that have worked without a recordable injury in 2008.

Occupational Hazards magazine selects the list of Americas Safest Companies based on recommendations from industry professionals, recognition by industry associations, participation in reputable programs, state and local awards, and Occupational Hazards’ research. Regardless of size or industry, the program is open to companies that can clearly demonstrate that their safety process includes support from management, involvement of employees, innovative solutions to safety challenges, injury and illness rates lower than the average for their industries, comprehensive educational programs for employees about safety-related topics, and good communication with workers about the value of safety.

All 18 companies will be highlighted in the October issue of Occupational Hazards magazine.

In the September 2008 issue, Occupational Hazards named James “Skipper” Kendrick, CSP, director of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Training at Textron, one of the 50 Most Influential EHS Leaders of the decade. Kendrick has been with Textron for over 20 years and is a former president of the American Society of Safety Engineers. He has been a thought leader and tireless EHS advocate throughout his career. This accolade further solidifies the America’s Safest Companies recognition and exhibits our employee’s steadfast dedication and commitment to safety across the entire enterprise.

Announced yesterday, Lycoming Engines, a Textron Inc. company, received the Occupational Excellence Achievement Award from the National Safety Council. This award recognizes companies that have outstanding safety records.