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Sustainability
Oxbow believes by combining sustainability with good business practices we have the ability to improve the health, safety and quality of life of our employees and the communities in which they live. We are committed to delivering excellence both domestically and abroad. It is this commitment that propels us to look for innovative ways in which we can reduce environmental impact and partner with communities to ensure the health and safety of our employees and the public. We go far beyond the minimum requirements and strive for continuous improvements in everything we do.
Environmental Sustainability
As a company, our commitment to the environment involves more than compliance with applicable state, federal and local environmental rules, regulations and standards. We have a strong ethical commitment to the protection of human health and the environment within the communities we operate, with a firm commitment to pollution prevention. Our fundamental policy is to conduct energy-related activities in a manner which protects our employees, the public health and the natural environment.
Safety Workplace Initiatives
ThinkSAFE Global Campaign
Continuous improvement is a key driver for everything Oxbow does. As part of this commitment, a global initiative was launched to achieve and maintain a record of excellence and enhanced safety across the company. In July 2014, this global campaign was introduced to the American and European operations. Oxbow facilities have a common set of descriptive materials such as posters and employee and manager cards as well as an introductory presentation. The rollout was reinforced with a quarterly message campaign that contained themed posters and supervisory/employee information brochures and pocket cards.
The premise is simple: create an environment in which employees are comfortable raising and discussing issues of health and safety. Employees are encouraged to identify areas that need improvement and to remove the hazards that may cause occupational injuries and illnesses.
ThinkSAFE has four main components:
Stop Work Authority – If an employee sees that a work process has the potential to cause harm – STOP work immediately, take action if possible and report it to a supervisor.
Actively Report Near Misses and Hazards – There are many lessons to be learned from the reporting of events or conditions that could have caused injury, illness or property damage. Every Oxbow employee should play their part in the prevention of accidents.
Frequently Inspect Work Areas – Poor housekeeping is one of many causes of industrial incidents such as slips, trips and falls. Keeping Oxbow’s work environment clean and organized, ensuring walking and working surfaces are free of hazards and access routes are clear, is essential to maintaining safe work environments at all Oxbow facilities.
Eliminate Hazards – Identifying workplace hazards through efficient local inspection processes is key to reducing hazards such as pinch points, slip and fall and guarding hazards. Oxbow strives to aggressively remove and control such hazards by using engineering and administrative controls.
Leveraging Technology
Continuing education and training are required components to help Oxbow achieve its goals. At Oxbow, enhancing safety is a shared responsibility to which everybody must contribute. By leveraging technology, Oxbow has provided to its operations flexibility and consistency in the presentation of health and safety training topics while appealing to the technical nature of our growing workforce.
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