On the right safety track

At the end of September, Sanford Lab celebrated yet another milestone: a full year with no workplace-related injuries. Executive Director Mike Headley attributed this to a ?culture of safety? that focuses on three things: the ability for workers at all levels to stop work if they encounter a situation they believe is unsafe, an emphasis on job hazard analyses (JHAs) and the development of strong work plans. 

?Empowering workers at every level has made a major difference in building safety into our work every day,? Headley said. ?Over the past couple of years our safety culture has advanced greatly and I?m so proud of our team. Staff are not only doing excellent work, but they are doing it with fewer injuries.? 

Nearly two years ago, Headley initiated a ?safety stand down? to discuss the need for improvement. The changes that came out of that discussion, especially the stop-work initiative, played a huge role in the reduction of workplace injuries. 

?Stop work is a great tool for anybody on this property,? said Will McElroy, Director of Underground Access. ?Whether you?re a seasoned or new employee, you have the right to stop work if you see something that doesn?t seem right or just makes you feel uncomfortable.? 

McElroy said he is encouraged when he sees stop work events noted on five-point cards or inspection forms. ?It tells me people are cognizant of potential hazards and that they are focused on quality and safety over schedule.?

Noel Schroeder, Director of Environment, Health and Safety, said employees were open to improving safety. ?They took an active role in the process, sharing safety concerns in the field, at tool box talks and at weekly safety meetings,? he said. ?They take this very seriously and that?s a huge part of the success we?re seeing right now.?

Casey Peterson, Chair of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA), congratulated staff members, saying the new safety record increases Sanford Lab?s reputation on the world stage. ?All of this is a credit to you and your incredibly hard work and dedication.?

While it?s easy to focus on the numbers, ?the most important thing is that injuries to ourselves and our coworkers have become the rare exception and the rule,? Headley said. ?Sanford Lab?s future has never looked brighter and a strong safety program is essential for us to move forward. We are definitely on the right track.?