Winpak now SAFE Work Certified

Jan. 11, 2018 – Winpak has become the first plastic manufacturer in Manitoba to be SAFE Work Certified by Made Safe.

Ron Koslowsky, vice president of Made Safe parent organization Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) Manitoba, presented Chris Parker, Winpak Division’s plant manager with a plaque commemorating the certification at a ceremony in Winnipeg.

In celebration of the achievement, Winpak Division provided all 760 employees with a celebratory t-shirt.

The company manufactures and distributes packaging materials and machines, primarily used for the protection of perishable foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals and healthcare applications. Its operations encompass three product groups – plastic films, cups and packaging machines – produced in 10 North American manufacturing locations.

“A good company can have great technology but a great company is an organization with great technology and great people driving it,” said Winpak Division president James Holland. “Winpak is a great company. Our people are and always have been our most valuable resource in our pursuit of excellence and a safe work environment.”

A CME Manitoba initiative, Made Safe is the industry-based safety program (IBSP) for manufacturing in Manitoba. Made Safe delivers professional safety services for the manufacturing industry.

“Certification is important because employees are an organization’s lifeblood. Our workers arriving home to their families safely after a day of work is our priority,” said Neal Curry, Made Safe executive director. “Not only has Winpak gone above and beyond fulfilling the requirements of the certification program, their safety culture and commitment to celebrating achievements together can serve as an example to the industry. I commend Winpak for their commitment to health and safety in the workplace.”

Workers Compensation Board (WCB) data shows that compared to industry averages, workplaces that implement a safety and health certification program experience 42 per cent lower injury rates and 49 per cent fewer work days taken for time-loss injuries.

In addition to creating a safer and healthier workplace, upon certification, Made Safe members become eligible for a rebate on their WCB premiums.