Outstanding Safety Performance: Alberta Mills Recognized for Their Leadership
At West Fraser, safety is a core value and a business priority.
Thanks to a strong safety program, a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, we are proud to be recognized for industry-leading safety performance.
Over the years, this recognition has included being honoured through the Alberta Forest Products Association’s (AFPA) annual Health and Safety Awards, which acknowledge the industry’s commitment to health and safety, and the continual enhancement of health and safety systems among both AFPA members and their contractors.
This September, the AFPA Health & Safety Committee presented awards at their Annual General Meeting in Jasper to three West Fraser mills: Edson Forest Products, Ranger Board and Alberta Plywood.
West Fraser’s safety success depends on every person’s active involvement and enthusiastic participation.
Troy Withey, Corporate Safety Manager
“It is wonderful to see the Edson Forest Products, Ranger Board and Alberta Plywood mills recognized across multiple health and safety categories,” said Troy Withey, Corporate Safety Manager. “West Fraser’s safety success depends on every person’s active involvement and enthusiastic participation. These awards are made possible through the commitment, hard work and dedication of every team member.”
Health and Safety Excellence Awards
The AFPA’s Health and Safety Excellence awards are designed to recognize employer efforts to improve health and safety processes within their organization over the past calendar year (2022). Edson Forest Products won this award in the Sawmill Category I (40,000 – 350,000 PHW*), and Ranger Board won this award in the Panelboard Sector Category. Edson also won this award in 2022 for its performance in 2021.
Outstanding Achievement in Health and Safety Awards
The AFPA’s Outstanding Achievement in Health and Safety awards recognize companies that have demonstrated long-term improvement and maintenance of their health and safety processes over a three-year period (2020-2022).
Edson Forest Products won this award in the Sawmill Category I (40,000 – 350,000 Person Hours Worked*), and Alberta Plywood won this award in the Panelboard Sector category. Edson and Alberta Plywood were both recognized with these awards last year.
Lumber Grading Also Recognized
AFPA also recognized Dale Catudal from Sundre Forest Products with the Grader Category Award for his excellent 90.6% grader score. The AFPA is the primary lumber grading certification agency in Alberta.
Lumber grading stamps provide important information about wood characteristics – such as moisture content, tree species, treatments performed on the lumber and any imperfections – that can affect the lumber’s quality, strength and appearance. Building codes specify what grades of lumber can be used in which ways during construction to make sure that the materials used can safely bear the load they’re carrying.
