Saputo Edmonton

“SafetySmart helps in the employee interview portion of the audit process.  Staff are always commenting on how much they appreciate SafetySmart’s safety talks. It helps them be more aware of the hazards around the plant. There is no doubt that implementing SafetySmart has improved company morale.”

- Terri Digness, Quality Assurance Systems Supervisor

Key Results

- Injury claims are consistently below the industry average

- Saved over $148,000 in premiums from Alberta Workers Compensation Board

- Improved employee interest and engagement

Key Facts

- Industry: Food Manufacturing

- Large food manufacturing facility involved in the processing of dairy products and juice owned by the largest dairy processor in Canada

- Employs approximately 375 workers across several departments

- SafetySmart user since 2007

Challenge

“In the past, Workers’ Compensation premiums were through the roof,” says Terri Digness, Quality Assurance Systems Supervisor of Saputo Edmonton. From 2003 to 2005 the facility’s injury claims were 5.88% higher than the industry average.

The Edmonton facility applied for the WCB-sponsored Partners Injury Reduction (PIR) program which the Quality Systems Supervisor now oversees.  The goal of the program is to help companies in Alberta reduce their injury claims and in turn have their WCB premiums reduced by as much as 20%.

Earning a Certificate of Recognition requires an external safety audit – Certifying Partners conduct them on behalf of WCB.  After the first year, the company does internal audits – the Quality Systems Supervisor became certified to do audits at the Edmonton facility. It’s not until the fourth year that another external audit needs to be completed.

Solution

Saputo engaged SafetySmart as part of their solution.  The more than 15,000 safety tools available were a great fit.  This facility now consistently uses the safety talks included in SafetySmart.  The wide variety of safety talks available means there is something for every department and every occasion.

Results

Implementing SafetySmart along with the PIR program produced dramatic results. In 2006 Saputo’s injury claims were 23.65% lower than the industry average.  In addition, the Alberta Workers Compensation Board returned more than $148,000 in premiums.