CKF, one of the largest employers in the community, was recently presented with an Occupational Safety Standard of Excellence award from the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of B.C. CKF joins a select few B.C. manufactures to achieve the designation. (Special to Langley Advance Times)

CKF, one of the largest employers in the community, was recently presented with an Occupational Safety Standard of Excellence award from the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of B.C. CKF joins a select few B.C. manufactures to achieve the designation. (Special to Langley Advance Times)

Safety of paramount importance for Langley plastics manufacturer

Award given to CKF by provincial safety agency recognizing efforts to get staff home to families

In a ceremony at its Langley manufacturing facility, CKF celebrated the efforts made to get its staff home to their families at the end of every shift.

The Langley City manufacturers, one of the largest employers in the community, was given the award recently, making them one of a select group of British Columbia manufacturers to achieve the certification for Occupational Safety Standard of Excellence (OSSE).

CKF Inc. is an industry leader in disposable paper, foam and plastic food service and packaging products in the United States and Canada.

The Certificate of Recognition (COR) certification recognizes the company’s efforts in workplace health and safety, explained CKF Inc.’s president Ian Anderson.

“Zero harm is our overarching safety goal at CKF, and we believe it is achievable,” Anderson elaborated.

“We are proud of our Langley team for achieving this important recognition for their work in creating a safe and healthy work environment for our CKF staff,” he said.

Wayne Arondus, COO of the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC, described it as a “significant” accomplishment.

“Dedicating the time and resources required to achieve OSSE certification shows CKF’s commitment to worker safety – the vital human side of sustainability,” Arondus siad.

The impact of the work involved in OSSE certification is apparent in reduced injury rates.

An independent study of manufacturing companies, before and after certification, by Dr. Sean Tucker of the Centre of Management Development at the University of Regina showed a 53-per-cent reduction in time-loss injuries from one year before certification to three years after.

Certified companies may also earn financial benefits, such as a 10-per-cent annual rebate on WorkSafeBC premiums and a 15-per-cent rebate on property insurance – a new benefit reserved for OSSE-certified companies.

“It is our pleasure to celebrate this achievement with CKF,” added Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC’s CEO Lisa McGuire.

“Through OSSE, they are taking systematic preventative measures to address workplace hazards and protect workers from injury.”

Past coverage: City’s largest employer expands

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