2016
A
ll 1,160 employees at Westcan Bulk Transport
are expected to "actively care" about safety.
"If you see something, you've got to say some-
thing," says Grant Mitchell, CEO. "There's no level,
no rank… Whether you are in maintenance or a senior
leader or the person who sweeps our parking lot, they
have the same authority when it comes to safety."
The Actively Caring program was launched two-and-a-half
years ago. It entailed extensive education and awareness with employees at
all levels within the company.
"It's not a gotcha game, not someone who wants to get you in trouble, not
someone who is a know-it-all; they actively care," says Dan Columbus, vice-
president of health, safety and environment at the Edmonton-based company.
"And there is no discipline — that is completely outside the aim of the program."
The program has resulted in the biggest safety-related culture shift Westcan
has seen in recent years. Workers are looking out for one another, talking to each
other and giving tips on how to work safely.
Westcan's employee shout-out program recognizes employees for actively
caring or for a job well done as identifi ed by their peers, supervisor or a cus-
tomer. All employee shout-outs are posted on the company intranet and live feed
boards at every Westcan terminal, as well as published in the monthly employee
newsletter. Employee recognition is also posted on the company's Facebook page.
The company wants employees' families to actively care as well. In fall 2014,
it held its fi rst family fun day at the Edmonton terminal. The event included
A
"If you see something, you've got to say some-
thing," says Grant Mitchell, CEO. "There's no level,
no rank… Whether you are in maintenance or a senior
leader or the person who sweeps our parking lot, they
have the same authority when it comes to safety."
The Actively Caring program was launched two-and-a-half
years ago. It entailed extensive education and awareness with employees at
TRANSPORTATION
2016
Canada's Canada's Canada's
16 Canadian Occupational Safety www.cos-mag.com
Canadian Occupational Safety is pleased to announce the winners
by an esteemed panel of 3rd-party experts from across the country,
awards showcase those companies with exceptional health and safety
wellness, psychological safety and young worker safety are handed out
Canada's Best Health + Safety Culture award — the top prize — is given
By Amanda Silliker, Linda Johnson, E. Lisa Moses, Liz Bernier and John Dujay
