Workplace Safety – A Shared Value, Not Just Rules
Safety is a Shared Value, Not Just Rules
Safety doesn’t happen overnight – it requires patience and the commitment of everyone. At Corex’s Pori plant, occupational safety representative Tuula Härkönen has witnessed firsthand how the right mindset and systematic work can build a safe working environment where everyone makes it home healthy.
According to Tuula, the safety culture at the Pori plant has changed significantly compared to when she started at Corex in 2006.
“Back then, people still wore shorts and t-shirts, while in other places helmets and safety shoes were already standard. We were behind the rest, but now we’re at least on the same level.”
Today, the Pori plant uses modern, high-quality personal protective equipment, which employees are happy to use. This development reflects Corex’s strong investment in the safety and well-being of its employees.
Long-Term Effort Solves Safety Challenges
As an occupational safety representative, Tuula has seen in her daily work how attitudes toward safety change slowly but steadily.
“Safety progresses step by step, just like learning to read. You start in first grade, and before long, you can already read. When people aren’t pressured, they start using protective equipment voluntarily.”
Managing the dust generated in cardboard production is currently the plant’s biggest safety challenge, and continuous solutions are being sought. Noise, on the other hand, has been successfully brought under control – a sign that persistent work can effectively solve safety issues.
“Everyone now uses hearing protection, and there are plenty of high-quality options available.”
Handling Safety Observations is Part of Daily Operations
The Pori plant uses a digital system for reporting safety observations. Everyone working at the plant reports any safety observations into the system. Tuula finds the system user-friendly, and observations are actively submitted.
“It’s important that observations are acted upon, otherwise people may lose motivation to report them,” Tuula emphasizes.
At Corex, safety observations are reviewed in the morning meeting, ensuring they are addressed.
The organizational culture at the Pori plant also supports open safety communication. According to Tuula, the threshold for contacting supervisors is low. In her role as safety representative, she can even contact the plant director directly if there’s a safety issue.
Even the quietest employees aren’t left out. The digital system allows feedback to be given anonymously, and in a small organization, information also flows through informal channels.
Systematic Training and Onboarding Ensure Competence
Corex invests in safety training. An annual training day provides fresh perspectives – for example, last year the focus was on battery safety.
“Rechargeable devices are everywhere, and it has been a major topic of discussion at the plant,” Tuula says.
New employees receive systematic safety onboarding at Corex.
“New hires attend an induction day. Practical guidance then takes place at the workplace, where safety matters related to their specific job are covered.”
The development of technology influences occupational safety in many ways and requires constant adaptation from staff.
“New solutions can improve safety, but they also bring new challenges,” Tuula reflects.
Age sometimes comes up in broader societal discussions about adopting new technologies.
“For older employees, adapting to new systems can be more challenging, but I believe everyone adjusts with time.”
Safety is a Shared Value, Not Just Rules and Regulations
Tuula is optimistic about the future of Corex’s safety efforts. She believes safety culture will continue to develop when everyone is committed to a shared goal. A key factor is genuine commitment from management.
“Managers use protective equipment themselves and point out shortcomings when necessary. Safety is a regular theme in their communications,” she says.
At the Pori plant, safety is not just about rules and regulations but a genuinely shared value that guides everyday operations. The plant is a prime example of how persistent effort, the right attitude, and commitment from every employee can create a safe workplace where everyone goes home healthy at the end of the day.
Commitment to safety is also reflected in investments. Tuula notes that the plant regularly acquires high-quality protective equipment and is always ready to invest in safety solutions.
“After all, a human life is irreplaceable.”