AGI Celebrates a Decade of Safety Excellence
Ag Growth International (“AGI”) proudly celebrates an exceptional safety milestone at its manufacturing facility in Saskatoon. With a remarkable record of ten years without any lost time incidents, this achievement was commemorated with a special event and awards ceremony honoring the dedicated efforts of the facility’s employees.
Recognizing the Team's Dedication
Paul Householder, AGI President & CEO, expressed his admiration for the Saskatoon team. "I commend the AGI Saskatoon team for their incredible achievement. This milestone reinforces how deeply safety is embedded in our work culture," he stated. He emphasized that every employee, regardless of their work environment, should return home in the same condition they arrived.
Understanding Lost Time Incidents
A lost time incident (LTI) is defined as any non-fatal injury that results in an employee missing work. LTIs serve as a critical measure of a company’s safety performance, reflecting the impact of injuries on overall workforce productivity.
A Culture of Vigilance and Prevention
Kris Wingert, the Operations Manager at AGI Saskatoon, spoke of the special moment when the facility surpassed two million hours without an incident. "This achievement belongs to the team's unwavering commitment to safety at all levels. Their success is built on vigilance, prevention, and education," remarked Wingert.
The employees actively identify and report unsafe conditions, ensuring that potential hazards and near misses are managed before they result in injuries. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining a safe working environment.
The Facility's Operations
The Saskatoon manufacturing plant, originally commissioned by Westeel back in 1989, specializes in producing engineered-to-order smooth wall grain and fertilizer bins for both agricultural and commercial use. Furthermore, the ISO 9001:2015 certified facility provides customized welding services to AGI's other locations, demonstrating its commitment to quality.
Importance of Hands-On Skills
As emphasized by Wingert, the operation involves hands-on skills rather than robotic processes. This complexity means that with multiple machines handling materials, there are inherent risks involved. Creating stringent processes and fostering a culture of ongoing safety education and certifications are crucial for ensuring safety in such an environment.
Harsha Bhojraj, AGI’s Vice President of Manufacturing, underscored the facility's exemplary safety practices. He noted, "The AGI Saskatoon team exemplifies our vision for safety. They demonstrate that it is possible to maintain safety through changing conditions and various challenges while prioritizing the well-being of each other."
Setting a Benchmark in Safety
The Saskatoon facility is notably the second site within AGI to achieve this impressive milestone. Earlier in the year, AGI’s Olds, Alberta facility became the first to reach this ten-year mark without lost time incidents. This new milestone reflects AGI’s dedication to safety and sets a high standard for excellence across all its facilities.
About AGI
AG Growth International is dedicated to providing equipment and solutions that ensure the efficient storage, transport, and processing of food globally. With manufacturing facilities located in multiple countries, including Canada, the United States, Brazil, India, France, and Italy, AGI distributes its products on a worldwide scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What milestone did AGI achieve in Saskatoon?
AGI celebrated ten years of zero lost time incidents at its Saskatoon facility, emphasizing its commitment to safety.
Who is the CEO of AGI?
Paul Householder is the current President & CEO of AGI, praising the Saskatoon team for their safety achievements.
What does a lost time incident refer to?
A lost time incident is a non-fatal injury that results in an employee missing work, which is used to measure a company's safety performance.
How does AGI ensure safety in its operations?
AGI promotes a culture of vigilance, prevention, and ongoing education to identify and mitigate unsafe conditions in the workplace.
How many AGI facilities have achieved this safety milestone?
As of now, two AGI facilities have achieved the ten-year no lost time incident status—Saskatoon and Olds, Alberta.
