We spend more time on safety than anything else. He has an open-door policy and involves employees in every step of each safety process, says Harris. When it's time for incentives, he hands each one out personally. For every quarter without an OSHA recordable, the plant treats all employees to lunch. Roundtable discussions center on such topics as management commitment and recordkeeping.
Visitors see what it takes -dedicated employees working safely with the support of management.
The plant enjoys sharing its safety know-how. This kind of outreach helps sharpen its own efforts. Input and discussion on the program point out possible problems and motivates everyone involved. Outreach has a way of breaking down barriers, like those between competitors. A Mississippi OSHA area director and one of Gloster's competitors, Potlach, nominated the plant for the VPP outreach award after touring the facility.