Carey Gleason, a technician at Terry Ortynsky's Royal Ford, has received Saskatchewan's highest safe worker award; the Work Safe Saskatchewan's Safe Worker Award for 2013.
"It was really quite a shock. There were so many nominees from larger companies who had all done really important things in the area of safety," says Gleason.
He believes he received the award because his safety focus is so broad. " I've been on the safety committee for the last three years, and I really focus on the day to day safety issues, not just in the shop, but in the whole dealership. Being on the safety committee has really changed my way of thinking - safety is really on my mind all the time now, and not just at work," he said.
The Safe Worker Award is sponsored by the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour and the Saskatchewan Safety Council. Its purpose is to highlight the important contributions workers make in eliminating or reducing injuries and illness in the workplace, and to recognize an individual who has shown an exemplary commitment to workplace health and safety. Workplace peers and colleagues nominate the recipients of these awards. A WorkSafe Saskatchewan committee then adjudicates the nominations
Gleason was nominated for the award because of the work he has done to help the dealership enhance its safety practices.
To help address concerns about potential back problems in relation to hoisting tires, Carey fabricated a hoist hanger at minimal cost to the dealership. The hoist hanger has significantly reduced back and leg strain and injuries among employees.
He has installed anti-vibration wrap on shop tools to lessen vibration.
To further protect employees he regularly reminds technicians about the importance of wearing hearing protection, safety glasses and safety toe boots.
He is trusted by the technicians to help resolve safety concerns, making his role integral to the organization.
"When everyday people make injury prevention and safety priorities, Mission: Zero becomes a reality," adds Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board chair David Eberle in a news release, adding 2012 was the 10th year in a row that Saskatchewan has seen a drop in time-loss injuries.
"Carey is always on the outlook for ways to improve safety in our dealerships. He understands the relationship of safety and quality in the workplace," concludes Terry Ortynsky, dealer principal, Terry Ortynsky's Royal Ford.
