Three Ways CGC Has Made Workplace Safety a Mindset, Not a Check Box
November 6 2025By: Joe Bielik, Director of HR, CGCAt CGC, safety isn’t something we only recognize during Safety Month in June or Manufacturing Month in October. While these observances are a perfect time to celebrate our safety efforts and successes, safety is our foundational organizing principle. It guides everything we do, from how we design plants to how we train people and make everyday decisions. We believe that no job is so important that it can’t be done safely.
Our strong safety culture is built by focusing on three key areas: training, accountability and recognition.
We foster accountability in several ways:Across many industries, including manufacturing, there is a stigma that can lead to under-report injuries or hazards, often out of fear of discipline. Our focus at CGC is solely on learning and improvement. Transparency is always the right answer because speaking up helps us solve problems before they become serious.
Our strong safety culture is built by focusing on three key areas: training, accountability and recognition.
Training
At CGC, Safety is a level playing field; no one is asked to do anything their manager or supervisor would not do. Our leaders run safety training and education so every employee has the knowledge and tools to contribute to our shared mission, and we use three key programs to put training into practice:- Daily Safety Huddles: Each shift starts with a quick safety huddle where teams talk through hazards, share lessons learned from other plants and do a short group stretch.
- Formal Coaching Program: We hold regular coaching sessions for all employees and supervisors to exchange feedback and recognize safety performance.
- Safety Model Programs: Everyone receives mandatory training on high-risk topics such as lockout/tagout and fall protection at least once a year or whenever regulations require.
Evidence and Results
Robust training and knowledge sharing are the backbone of CGC’s safety track record. At our Hagersville plant, this approach helped us reach four million hours of incident-free operations, while at Surrey, we achieved 25 years without a workplace injury or illness requiring time off. That means no employee at either facility needed to take time away to recover from an incident during those periods.Accountability
Being accountable for your own well-being and that of others requires trust, integrity and courage. CGC encourages employees to bring ideas, concerns and feedback to their leaders.We foster accountability in several ways:
- Knowledge Sharing: Best practices and incident/hazard reports from each of our facilities across North America are shared across the CGC network so everyone can benefit.
- Internal Responsibility System: Our philosophy is that every individual is directly responsible for health and safety as an essential part of their job. This is built into our roles and responsibilities as well as our communication channels.
- Reporting Goals: We encourage reporting any minor incident, such as near misses, so issues can be addressed early.
"Everybody holds everybody accountable. I have seen workplaces where incidents and near misses can be viewed in a negative way, but at CGC it’s the opposite. Our only motivation is truly looking out for one another."
Elicia McNeil, Human Resources Business Partner
Recognition
There’s a common myth that safety is a drain on resources. At CGC, we believe the opposite. In manufacturing, production is more efficient and sustainable when we take the time for safety. Failing to prioritize safety can lead to lost time, higher turnover, and compliance issues. Any initiative that fosters the safety and wellness of our people is an investment in the success of our business.That’s why we reward employees who take the lead in protecting themselves and others. Some of our recognition programs include:- Mission Zero: Quarterly incentives for employees who participate in safety activities, such as leading a safety huddle, and submitting safety work requests and solutions.
- Above and Beyond Recognition: An online platform for employees to thank and recognize colleagues for their safety contributions.
- Crew Recognition Budget: Each manufacturing facility has a program to recognize safe employee behaviour.
"I've worked here for 29 years and I've seen a lot of changes for the better. Today, both of my children work here too. As a parent, I was comfortable recommending CGC to my children because I know it is a safe place to work and we take care of our people."
Mike Otterman, Corporate Safety Specialist
As our CGC team continues to grow, it is a priority for us that the unique safety culture we have built is preserved and expanded across our organization. We will continue to set the culture from the most senior people at CGC. Whether it’s the plant manager, the department manager, or the frontline supervisors, safety is the first message we share in every meeting.
As a manufacturers, we know this: when each team member chooses to prioritize safety, rather than viewing it as just another box to check, our people, our business, our clients and our communities all benefit.
As a manufacturers, we know this: when each team member chooses to prioritize safety, rather than viewing it as just another box to check, our people, our business, our clients and our communities all benefit.
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