June is National Safety Month, and the recognition of this important topic provides a valuable opportunity to highlight ACR’s commitment to a strong culture of safety.
Safety is a year-round priority at ACR, reflected in our commitment to creating a secure environment, not just for our team members but for the integrity of the products we deliver. Safety isn't about ticking boxes; it's about a culture of vigilance, continuous improvement, and proactive risk mitigation.
At ACR, our dedication to safety manifests in two critical areas: Food Safety and Team Member Safety.
We serve North America with disposable foodservice essentials and proudly supply the same restaurants our own families trust, reinforcing our dedication to excellence. "Food Safety" is personal to us and not just a regulatory requirement. Maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, process integrity, and data integrity is non-negotiable. Our proactive approach to food safety demonstrates our industry leadership through the following key initiatives:
- Advanced Contamination Control: From our production lines to our warehouses, we employ stringent protocols to prevent cross-contamination. This includes strict security protocols, sanitation schedules, pest control programs, and material handling procedures designed to protect products from contaminants.
- Traceability and Recall Preparedness: The ability to rapidly trace products is crucial. We have invested in inventory management systems that provide the visibility to quickly and efficiently identify and isolate affected products, enabling us to act immediately should an issue occur.
- Supplier Partnership for Quality Assurance: Our commitment to food safety extends to our international suppliers. Through rigorous auditing processes and collaborative partnerships, we ensure that products entering our supply chain meets safety and quality standards, from the point of origin.
Our team members are our greatest resource, and protecting their health and safety extends beyond standard PPE protocols and equipment maintenance:
- Ergonomics: We focus on optimizing workstation design and processes to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. This includes analyzing repetitive tasks, optimizing reach and lift zones, and investing in changes that reduce strain on our team members.
- Mental Health Awareness and Support: We recognize the importance of mental health alongside physical safety. This involves promoting open communication, providing access to resources, and fostering a supportive work environment where our team members feel comfortable discussing challenges. This proactive approach contributes to a safer, more engaged workforce.
- Safety Insights: We leverage the power of our people to identify hazards and correct them. From investing in powered dock plates to robotic wrappers, we are moving beyond reactive safety measures. This approach allows us to continuously refine our safety protocols and training.
By championing both the well-being of our team and the integrity of our products, we not only meet industry standards but also strive to set new benchmarks. We believe that a secure and healthy environment is the foundation for operational excellence, customer trust, and ultimately, a successful and sustainable future for all.
Safety is constantly evolving, and maintaining best practices requires ongoing dedication to innovation and improvement at every stage. Stay tuned for more safety insights and updates as we continue to prioritize this critical commitment.
Authored by Brad Clinard, VP of Logistics at ACR.
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