June is National Safety Month: An Overview of Safety at the Plate

At WNP safety is a core value and the #1 priority; we are committed to making sure our employees are safe with PPE, extensive training and refresher activities.

One of the first steps of our safety education plan starts on Day 1 of onboarding new employees. Our EH & S (Environmental Health & Safety) Coordinator, Bill Callahan, leads an EHS Orientation tour for new hires through the factory, pointing out safety and PPE signage. He identifies the safety information posted at workstations and machines: Pertinent Job Safety Analysis/Job Hazard Analysis Documents are reviewed, as required by OSHA. Throughout the tour, Bill directs attention to each area’s multiple exits, locations of fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.

The Global Harmonized System (GHS), required by OSHA, uses consistent hazard classifications, labels, and safety data sheets (SDSs) for dealing with hazardous chemicals. Bill explains how employees have “the right to know” about any chemicals they may be exposed to on the job and how to access the SDS Documents on file.

As part of the lean manufacturing philosophy at the core of WNP’s operational culture, teams of employees conduct internal safety audits throughout the year to evaluate safety protocols in various departments and make recommendations to improve safety and reduce accidents. Team members complete WNP’s 6S inspection documents and are reviewed by leadership.

Right up there with profits and loss is our safety record. It is evaluated daily, and a score is published on leaderboards for transparency.  We are challenged to maintain at least a six-month “safe streak” to earn a collective reward.

To learn more about Willington Nameplate, please contact us here.