Occupational Safety Through the Eyes of the Plant Director
Every Employee Helps Build a Safe Workplace
At Corex Finland’s Pori cardboard plant, occupational safety is far more than just rules and instructions – it is a way of working every day, visible both in the workplace and in recognition. Cleanliness and order form the foundation of safety, and every employee is responsible for maintaining them.
Safety is more than regulations – it is a way of acting and thinking. At the Pori plant, safety is seamlessly integrated into everyday operations.
Cleanliness and Order Are the Cornerstones of Safety
“Safety starts with a tidy workplace and everything in its place,” summarizes plant director Juha Halminen. It’s not only about surface cleanliness but about a functional environment where risks are minimized in advance.
The plant follows a 6S system – an expanded version of the traditional 5S. Management conducts regular audit rounds to evaluate levels of order and cleanliness. Their importance is also tied directly to the factory’s reward system: cleanliness affects the monthly performance bonus.
“The cleaner it is, the better your bonus is,” Halminen explains. This motivates everyone to take responsibility for a safe working environment.
Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
At the Pori plant, safety is not only the concern of the safety organization or management. Halminen emphasizes that every employee share responsibility.
“Of course, I’m responsible, but each of us is responsible too,” he clarifies. This principle is highlighted during safety orientation, where employees are encouraged to observe and report possible issues.
This responsibility is reinforced by the plant’s open safety monitoring system. All employees can view audit results, improvement ideas, safety observations, and incident reports. This builds a sense of community and enables continuous learning.
Prevention and Risk Management Are Part of Everyday Work
Occupational safety is not only about reacting to accidents – it is above all about prevention. A key tool in daily safety work is the personal hazard assessment.
“Before starting a job, ask yourself: Do I have a work permit? Do I know the instructions, and can I perform the task safely? Do I have the right tools in proper condition? Do I have the required protective equipment? Is the work area and its surroundings safe?” the factory’s safety guide advises.
Systematic risk management is also in place. Special attention is given to preventing unintended start-ups, implementing safety locks, and managing the special requirements of different work environments, such as tank work.
Continuous Improvement Is the Basis of Safety Work
“Safety culture is about continuous improvement,” Halminen notes. Safety work is never finished – it constantly evolves. The plant invests in regular safety training and audits.
Improvements are also made in the physical environment: “We’ve made investments by improving machine guards, installing safety railings, cleaning up areas, enhancing lighting, and repainting walls,” Halminen explains.
Safety Builds the Foundation for Environmental Responsibility
Corex Finland’s Pori plant produces 130,000 tons of high-quality carton annually. Developing a strong safety culture also supports the sustainability of production.
The factory complies with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations, as well as voluntary commitments in all its operations.
At Corex, commitment to safety is long-term work, reflected in both workplace improvements and employee competence.
This enables the factory to responsibly produce high-quality, environmentally friendly products: a clean workplace, healthy employees, and a premium product are all different sides of the same safety mindset.
What Can Be Learned from Safety Culture?
At Corex, occupational safety is clearly more than mandatory requirements. It is a company-wide culture where safety is seamlessly linked with productivity and quality.
The plant director’s message is clear: a safe workplace is also a productive one. Or, as Halminen himself sums up the essence of safety:
“At the end of the day each of us must be able to go home healthy.”