Safety Program

Safety, security, and environmental protection are taken seriously. The safety and health of employees, the public, and visitors, in addition to security and protection of the environment, are fundamental values. The goal is to achieve and sustain a workplace that is free of accidents, injuries, environmental impacts, and security events. This is accomplished by preventing unwanted events through the elimination of unsafe conditions, prevention of unsafe acts, and proper response to near misses and emergency situations. The objective is to be proactive and prevent incidents from happening in the first place.

Employees who witness a medical emergency or a critical incident should call 911 first (preferably from a landline). Confidential assistance is available for employees dealing with family/marital issues, alcohol/drug-related matters, stress/emotional/mental issues, or if an employee has witnessed or experienced a critical incident, through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Compliance with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s hazard communication standard is required. This includes inventorying and labeling hazardous chemicals in the workplace and informing employees about any chemical hazard they encounter on the job. Employees who work near or with dangerous chemicals must be trained on how to handle them properly.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act and state workers’ compensation laws require records and reports of illnesses and injuries on the job. All accidents, injuries, and unsafe conditions must be reported to the direct supervisor and the HR Coordinator at the location. No employee making a report will face retaliation, penalty, or other discipline.

Providing a safe and healthy workplace is a commitment. Employees must report unsafe conditions and not perform tasks if the work is considered unsafe. Employee recommendations to improve safety and health conditions are encouraged and given thorough consideration by the management team. Management prioritizes and provides the financial resources for the correction of unsafe conditions and will take disciplinary action against employees who willfully or repeatedly violate workplace safety and health rules. Discipline can include verbal or written reprimands and can ultimately result in termination of employment.

The HR Coordinator of each business unit controls and maintains all employee accident, illness, and injury records for that business unit. Records must be maintained for a minimum of five years and include accident investigation reports, workers’ compensation notice of injury reports, and the Log & Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA 300/300A).