One million hours of working safely
State honors Domtar for achievement
The Ashdown, Ark., mill of Domtar has become “a culture of safety” and was recognized Thursday by the Arkansas Department of Labor with letters of endorsements from U.S. Sen. John Boozman and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
Boozman praised the employees as part of a “culture of safety” for receiving the One Million Man Hour Safety Award.
A total of 830 employees have accumulated 1 million work hours without a lost day away from work because of a work-related injury or illness between April 20, 2016, and Dec. 24, 2016, Leon Jones Jr., director of the Arkansas Department of Labor, said in a letter.
“Very few companies ever achieve a comparable safety record, and I appreciate your dedication to one another. Please extend my best wishes to your leadership team for its focus on developing a culture of safety. This record of success requires communication, training, discipline and personal responsibility from all who work at Domtar. Your commitment to continuous improvement sets a standard for others to follow,” Boozman said in the letter to Terry Hughes, safety manager at the Ashdown mill.
“In today’s global marketplace, I am grateful for Domtar’s dedication to American manufacturing and the efforts your employees make every day to promote excellence,” he said.
Hutchinson also praised the safety milestone in a letter to Jack Bray, vice president of manufacturing for Domtar.
“The fact that more than 800 employees worked one million hours without a lost day due to work-related injury or illness is a testament to Domtar’s ongo-
ing commitment to your employees. In order for Arkansas’s leading employers to thrive, it is imperative that they excel on every front, including employee safety,” Hutchinson said.
“As Little River County’s largest employer, Domtar is improving the lives of countless Arkansas families. Your focus on employee safety is a strong example to companies throughout the state,” he said.
Safety practiced at the mill becomes a life-changing event and safety is also practiced at home by Domtar employees, said Bob Grygotis, general manger of the Ashdown mill.
Employees creating safety ideas may occur at 2 a.m. or on the weekends, Grygotis said.
“Everyone makes it happen. Employees care enough to have discussions about safety both at home and work,” he said.
“We’re influencing generations of employees and their families,” Grygotis said.
Arkansas Labor Deputy Director Ralph Hudson said safety is a journey.
“Safety is not a destination, it’s a journey. I hope to come back in six months for the 2 million hour safety award,” Hudson said.
“We want employees to go home safe with all their fingers, toes and limbs and your life,” he said.
“Domtar is in an elite group with the 1 million award. It’s imperative not to become complacent,” Hudson said.
The safety reminds everyone to keep their guard up and eyes, and ears open and watch out for each other, said Patricia Hart, director of health and safety division of the State of Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission.
“The safety goal is to go home everyday the same way you went to work,” Hart said.