Heinz Wagga celebrates safety milestone

Heinz Wagga is today celebrating an impressive safety record, having reached 1 year with no
recordable injuries.

“The health and safety of our employees is fundamentally important to our business and something for which every person is accountable,” said Heinz Wagga Wagga Site Manager Phil McVeigh

This principle is reflected in Heinz standards and procedures, as well as the time and resources dedicated to initiatives such as equipment maintenance, training, job safety analyses and regular behavioural surveys.

“Most importantly though, it is reflected in the strong workplace culture at Heinz Wagga which means everyone is ‘on the same page’ when it comes to safety,” said Phil.

Heinz Wagga employs over 100 people and produces around 9000 tonnes of canned corned beef and microwaveable soups each year, sold throughout Australia and across a number of export markets in the Asia Pacific region.

The Heinz Safety Process includes implementation of a Safety and Health Accident Reduction Plan and regular training on topics like first aid, chemical awareness or working with heights. Heinz Wagga employees also conduct around 100 behavioural observation surveys every month. These surveys identify and address areas for improvement while also keeping safety top of mind for everyone.

Heinz Australia’s Supply Chain Director Michael Robinson has worked with Heinz factories around the world for more than 20 years. He says he is proud of the team’s achievement of the 1 Year milestone.

“We have a very stringent global Heinz Safety Process and the Wagga site has brought this alive with their new ideas and commitment to ensure everyone stays safe, every day,” said Michael.

Heinz Wagga Wagga Site Manager Phil McVeigh urged everyone in the Wagga community to live and breathe safety at work. “Nothing we do is worth getting hurt for…  it’s a common saying in manufacturing circles and one we should all take very seriously, whatever our role at work or in our community.”

Heinz is pleased to be celebrating this milestone in the lead up to Safe Work Australia Week, 24-30 October.