Volunteering to enhance safety at the workplace
KENROY GORDON is a man that wears many hats, possessing an array of skills – firefighter, emergency monitor, emergency medical technician, fire warden and safety driver.
“At times, whenever there is an emergency, I prioritise which cap I want to play. If there is a fire alarm, I know that it’s fire first. You have other first aiders and safety monitors, so I just fill the cap that’s required at that point in time,” said Gordon.
The multi-skilled worker is a liquid operations specialist at J. Wray & Nephew Limited. Gordon was among 45 volunteers of the company’s Environmental, Health and Safety Support System who were recognised at an appreciation ceremony at the company’s Spanish Town Road head office last week. The company has a total of 137 volunteers, which include workers from New Yarmouth and Appleton.
A member of the safety unit since 2007, Gordon said safety has become his passion and explained that once someone shows an interest in volunteering, the company pays for the requisite courses which allow each person to be certified in their desired discipline.
“I have always opted to go for training because it’s better for me. It not only helps at work but also at home; so it’s just a lifestyle for me. I don’t panic easily because of the training that prepares me for a real-life situation, especially as a firefighter.
“Last year, I had an incident where there was a spill and I was the one who responded quick enough because a lot of untrained persons panicked and I had to get them involved.
“Over the years, the company has grown and the more production you have, there are increased risks. So to mitigate all the risks, you have to put certain things in place and the company has been doing that and it’s even getting better since Campari acquired the company. We have a fire truck, there are emergency vehicles, a lot more people are trained and are aware,” he explained.
Gordon said that he felt appreciated for his contribution to the company during the ceremony. Similar sentiments were echoed by environment specialist Anya Duncan.
“It certainly is nice where the company can have a moment to show its appreciation to volunteers, because volunteering is one of the most selfless things that you can do, as it’s done with the intention of getting nothing in return. So if anything is given in return, you are appreciative of it,” Duncan said.
Health Safety and Environment Director Alicia Burnett said that the company does not have a lot of accidents, owing, in part, to the work of volunteers.