Safety Updates

by Joe Gabriel - 

The vernal equinox, which marks the beginning of spring on March 20 is in sight, and according to legend, the special astronomical properties of that day make it possible to balance an egg on end. I'd like to test that legend out, but have you looked at the price of eggs lately?

So, let's look back at 2024, the bad news first. 2024 saw our OSHA recordable injuries bump up at both the Main plant and South plant from 6 to 8 and from 0 to 2 respectively, Rock Rapids continued to lead the way with no recordable injuries. The bulk of our recordable injuries were foreign matter in the eye, so we will be focusing our energies on solutions to eliminate the hazards causing them.

There was good news as well:

• We ended 2024 with more than a handful fewer overall incidents, 75 compared to 81 in 2023. I know, it is a small step, but it's a step in the right direction.
• We contracted with HSI, the company that maintains our SDS database, to duplicate our SDS database with the Spanish versions of the SDS for all of our chemicals. The new Spanish SDS database will be online soon, so be watching for it.
• We freshened up our First Responders team, added some new faces to the mix and got everyone up to date on First Aid, CPR, and AED training. If you have an injury or need medical assistance, please take advantage of these folks, they are here to help you.
• We established a new Safety Action Team with representatives from all three plants and all of our different departments. Don't hesitate to take safety concerns to your Safety Action Team representative, we will discuss any concerns at our monthly meetings.
• Lastly, don't forget our incentive programs, you can get a candy bar by submitting a safety suggestion, and if you get caught working safely you can get a token good towards purchasing Maintainer gear.

Get Caught Working Safely and Earn Maintainer Bucks!

Safety is our top priority, and we’re excited to introduce a fun new way to recognize employees who are consistently working safely. Members of the Safety Action Team, along with our CI Manager, Quality Manager, Maintenance Manager, and Production Managers, will be on the lookout for employees who are following safety protocols and working with care.

The best part? You never know who’s watching! If you’re spotted working safely, you’ll earn a token worth 1 Maintainer Buck. Collect these tokens, and you’ll be able to trade them in for awesome Maintainer gear!

Want to see the latest gear and find out how many Maintainer Bucks you’ll need? Visit HR for a full list of available items and their prices.

So, stay safe, work smart, and get rewarded!