NAIP facilities across Canada continue to demonstrate a commitment to safety through a variety of updates and projects to improve safety. “Despite many of these facilities having positive safety records, the leaders and individual employee at these locations recognize the importance of continuing to prioritize safety to ensure we continue having a safe workplace every day,” commented Rick Capps, NAIP Director of Environmental Health and Safety.
- The Boucherville, Quebec facility installed curtains to reduce noise from spreading across different areas of the plant, installed a door at the end of a corridor near the bathrooms to better control pedestrian traffic, installed a new asset tanks repair testing zone that is safer for employees, removed a wall to facilitate better flow and organization and designated a new smoking zone to reduce employee presence in driving areas.
- Burlington, Ontario facility poured a new concrete pad at the shipping doors to provide better stability for trailers, improved guarding and aisle line painting for better visibility and guidance throughout the plant, installed a E-Stop Cord at the shell linking conveyor to restrict access, and improved guarding and gate access at the welder which removes a gate that blocked an aisle when opened and reduces time needed to open.
- At the Edmonton, Alberta facility, the end of the platform where torches are used to heat and remove labels has been marked with floor paint and signage to prevent employees from falling off the step down. Additionally, a wooden plank has been installed to cover the gap between the dock and trailers at Door 8/9 to prevent falls.
- The Regina, Saskatchewan distribution facility continues to prioritize housekeeping and strict adherence to safety rules. The facility has a philosophy that every employee has a responsibility and expectation to take 5 seconds to stop and pick up trash when seen and throw it in the garbage. All nylon strapping or plastic shrink wrapped removed from pallets is expected to be immediately thrown in trash bins. Additionally, floors are cleaned daily and washed every two weeks. This strict adherence to housekeeping limits the risk of the facilities most likely injury, which is a slip, trip and fall.
- In Brampton, Ontario, the facility credits its positive safety record to individual employee ownership. An employee-driven Employee of the Month program, regular safety committee meetings, and an emphasis on punctuality and discipline have all contributed to a culture of individual ownership regarding safety. Additionally, Vaughan Distribution has recently moved into the Brampton site and has coordinated efforts with the Mississauga IBC facility on improving safety at their facilities.
All the investments and actions being taken to improve safety in the Canada facilities can be replicated at other facilities with similar operations and demonstrate how a focus and willingness to invest energy and resources can improve employee safety.
Boucherville, Quebec - curtains for noise reduction
Edmonton, Alberta - painted platform to increase step visibility
Regina, Saskatchewan - clean walkways as a result of prioritizing housekeeping
