Saint John: WorkSafeNB recently acknowledged Cott Beverages Canada and Johnson Enterprises Inc., for exemplary efforts in improving workplace health and safety. The two companies were recognized during the Safety Improvement Recognition Breakfast in Moncton on Tuesday, October 7, as part of WorkSafeNB’s Annual Health and Safety Conference.
Cott Beverages Canada in Scoudouc bottles soft drinks for private labels such as Tim Horton’s, President’s Choice, Big 8, Chubby, Life Brand, and RC Cola. “Cott Beverages has consistently outperformed their industry as a whole. This is a company that has registered 3 or less lost-time claims in the past five years, and no lost-time claims in 2006 and 2007,” said David Greason, vice-president of the WorkSafeNB’s WorkSafe Services Division. “This is impressive considering the nature of their operations. Filling, labeling, packaging, palletizing and loading an average of 600 bottles a minute introduces daily hazards, including high temperatures, high-speed production machinery, forklifts, and chemicals.”
Johnson Enterprises Inc., based in Val d’Amour, near Campbellton, is a custom fabrication, machining and refurbishing company. As a steel manufacturer, Johnson Enterprises contends with many safety hazards, including an extremely heavy raw product, sharp, hot and wet cutting tools, lathes, torches, and grinders. In 2005, the company was designated as a primary focus firm – a firm identified for intervention because of high accident and cost records. Only two years later, in 2007, Johnson recorded only two lost-time claims, with only one to date in 2008. The company effected this significant improvement by implementing a structured health and safety plan, and at the same time introducing lean manufacturing and the 5S system.
“These companies demonstrate the effectiveness of safety programs,” Greason said. “We applaud their commitment toward developing, promoting and maintaining a robust health and safety culture at their workplaces. By putting safety first, they’ve not only created a healthy, positive working environment but they’ve reduced the costs associated with injuries and improved their bottom line,” he said
”Our population is aging, and we need to rely on a workforce that stays active and healthy, working over a longer life. Now, more than ever, companies need to focus on keeping their workforce happy and healthy, and that means keeping them safe. These companies have shown us how to do that.”
WorkSafeNB recognizes Cott Industries. Above, front row, left to right: Danny Peters, Cott; Derrick Deware, JHSC Co-chair, Cott; Roger Gaudet, Cott; Jocelyne Boudreau, Cott; Donald Gallant, Cott; and Roberta Dugas, Chairperson, Board of Directors, WorkSafeNB. Back row, left to right; Jean Landry, Regional Director, Southeast, WorksafeNB; Kenny Bown, Cott; Ted Cormier, Cott; Richard Cormier, Cott; Henri Bourque, Cott; Pierre Niles, Plant Manager, Cott; and Paul Bourque, Assistant Regional Director, Southeast.
WorkSafeNB recognizes Johnson Enterprises. Above, front row, left to right: Pauline Roy, Regional Director, Northeast, WorkSafeNB; Nathalie Johnson, Johnson Enterprises; and Roberta Dugas, Chairperson, Board of Directors, WorkSafeNB. Back row: David Levesque (left) and Joey Johnson, vice-presidetn and General Manager, both of Johnson Enterprises.