Fraser Timber achieves safety milestone
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
MASARDIS — Fraser Timber LLC, with operations located in Masardis, achieved a major safety accomplishment on Nov. 1 — a first in the company’s history.
“The lumber mill operation has achieved an OSHA recordable rate of zero for a full year. The OSHA recordable rate is a nationally-recognized standard for measuring safety performance at all workplaces,” said Mike Cote, the facility’s human resource manager.
Cote said Fraser Timber’s employees’ participation in their pro-active safety program, in a very challenging working environment, is the principal reason for this impressive accomplishment.
“Employees take part in weekly safety meetings, participate in the company’s Safety Training Observation Program and perform regular safety audits. The company has monthly meetings with the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) where hourly and management employees discuss safety issues that are dealt with on a timely manner, along with suggestions and ideas on how to further improve workplace safety,” Cote said.
Roger Gagnon, co-chairman of the JHSC, commented, “We would like to commend all of Fraser Timber’s employees for an outstanding safety performance. This is an accomplishment made possible by all employees working in a pro-active manner.”
Joel Dahl, co-chairman of the JHSC, also praised workers and management on achieving this tremendous safety performance level.
“It takes a complete team effort and cooperation between management and workers to achieve this safety record. At Fraser Timber, we clearly have employees’ safety as our Number 1 priority,” said Dahl.
