For the 65 employees at Overlanders Manufacturing, workplace safety isn’t something they do just for themselves — it’s also for the person working next to them.

By Tanya Colledge

“We’re a family; we know each other’s kids and spouses, and we understand what’s important at the end of the day — for everyone to go home safely to their families,” says Pam Hughes, assistant controller at Overlanders Manufacturing. “Workplace health and safety is personal because we know exactly what is at stake.”

This sheet metal manufacturer in Abbotsford, B.C., prides itself on cultivating an environment where employees feel a sense of belonging and commitment to each other, as well as value as individuals. This family feel has helped this firm create a safety culture where workers are encouraged to speak up if they have a safety concern. Any worker can bring safety improvement ideas or questions to the health and safety committee for review and action.

“It’s important to us that everyone feels like they have a voice. If there’s a way to make things safer for our workers, we’ll make it happen because safety is our top priority. ” says general manager Paulo DeGianni.

Shop floor-inspired safety improvements

Gerhard Renzmann, occupational safety officer in WorkSafeBC’s Abbotsford office, says Overlanders’ approach and safety culture stands out in the manufacturing industry — one that has historically seen workplace injuries as a rite of passage.

“The industry has really come a long way when it comes to prevention, and Overlanders is a great example. They don’t wait until there’s an incident or a near-miss to make improvements. Rather they involve their workers and ask them what they think, listen to their needs, and ask if a proposed improvement would work in their day-to-day,” he says. “It’s the respect they give their employees that creates a good environment and makes everyone feel safe, seen, and heard.”

An example of a simple, yet effective, safety improvement idea came from the paint shop team, which was looking for a way to minimize the heat and noise coming from the ovens. When a worker came forward with the idea of hanging strips of polyurethane curtains to help absorb the sound and block out some of the heat, the team ran with it. The resulting easy and inexpensive improvement has made a positive difference for workers on the shop floor.

Safety enhancements on forklifts were another worker-led improvement idea that became a reality after a worker noticed many forklift drivers weren’t buckling in before operating the equipment. When seatbelts are used, a forklift operator is more likely to remain positioned inside the protective structure of the cab should a forklift tip over. The worker brought forward an easy solution to add an interlocking safety mechanism so that a forklift won’t turn on without the seatbelt being buckled.

Another way the firm takes care of its own is by updating aging equipment with top-of-the-line machinery and tools. Examples include electric bending machines that can detect when the operators’ hands are in the bite and shut off to prevent injuries, and special welding helmets that push fresh air through a filter so workers don’t inhale any fumes.

“Great ideas come from the people who are actually working in those areas and are subject matter experts,” says DeGianni. “If you create a culture where people feel comfortable speaking up and sharing their ideas, they feel like they’re part of the solution. It’s a win-win!”

Taking care of the future

Hughes says creating a family feel to their business is a value that Overlanders takes very seriously. In fact, many workers’ adult children have worked on the shop floor — making the topic of safety even more important to the people who work here.

“We have a very strong commitment to new and young workers and aim to set a high standard of safety and professionalism that will set them up for success throughout their career,” she says. The firm also participates in tours for the manufacturing industry, hosting youth and providing information and safety orientations. “Our goal is to set a good example of what they should expect from future workplaces.”

“This level of commitment was amazing for me to see as a safety professional,” says Tami Der, industry & program specialist with WorkSafeBC’s Prevention and Program Services. She was first introduced to the firm when Overlanders invited her to speak with a group of young people who were touring the facility, and she has returned a few times since then. “Every time I visit, they tell me they want their kids to work there so it has to be safe.”

“It’s about respecting our workers, their lives, and their well-being,” says DeGianni. Maintaining a safe work place environment is our main focus. It’s about how can we make sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.”

This information originally appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of WorkSafe Magazine. To read more or to subscribe, visit WorkSafe Magazine.

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