Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Woodlands Achieves a Significant Safety Milestone! (November 2003)

By PCT Supervisor Murray Sheppard

There was a time when CBPP Pre-Commercial Thinning (PCT) operations “stood out” as having the worst safety record in the entire Woodlands Division.  For example, during the period 1996 -2001, PCT operation which makes up approximately 10% of the Woodlands workforce had 26 % of the Lost-Time accidents.  Even though PCT is recognized as having the most hazardous conditions in our Woodlands operations, these results were clearly not acceptable.

 However this has now changed.  The end of the 2003 PCT season marks the second year on a row for Zero Lost Time injuries. This is a new record for PCT operations, which began in 1976, and a significant milestone for our Woodlands safety program.  All PCT employees and staff have put forward excellent performances and are congratulated for a job well done.  

So how are we achieving these results?  In 2001, the safety program on PCT implemented a new strategy and finally “found our groove”.  The new program included participation in the Woodlands Safety Incentive Program (points for merchandise), STOP observations, a Bi-Weekly Banner Award, daily safety messages, more effective safety meetings and especially the now coveted  “Bush Dinner” award.  

 The “Bush Dinner” award is an annual safety and environmental performance award, which is awarded to the crew with the best performance for the thinning season. This prestigious award, which has been part of our PCT Program since 1997, now recognises environmental performance as well as safety.   When this award was first implemented it was intended that the Company would provide a meal in the “Bush” to the deserving winners, hence the name.  This award has since evolved into a special dinner where employees and their spouses celebrate the season’s success of the crew.

 Factors considered when determining which crew wins the Bush Dinner are the crew’s accident record, monthly safety and environment inspection scores, and the number of Bi-Weekly Banners awarded.  Bi-Weekly Banner winners are determined by reviewing each crew’s accident record, safety infractions, safety meetings, STOP observations, Check-in/Check-out record, bus inspections and daily safety messages. A magnetic banner is displayed on the winning crew’s bus for the two-week period. 

The winning crew for 2003 - Front L-R: Rob Loder, Foreman Dale Chaffey, Bob Gale; Back L-R: PCT Supervisor Murray Sheppard, Eugene Parsons, Chris Pittman, John Keats, Calvin Ford, Field Supervisor Paul Keough.  Missing from Photo are Gilbert Gale, Ricky Cormier, Dean Bennett and Chris Carrol.

 This year’s “Bush Dinner” award went to the Hawkes Bay crew.  Members are Bob Gale, Eugene Parsons, Chris Pittman, Gilbert Gale, Calvin Ford, John Keats, Rob Loder, Chris Carrol, Richard Cormier and Dean Bennett.  With an excellent safety and environmental performance, two perfect safety inspection scores of zero and no serious incidents for the season this crew is congratulated for an outstanding performance!