Safety arkistot

Safety at Nordec in 2024

A strong safety culture is built on continuous development. In 2024, Nordec made significant strides in training, technology, and risk management, reinforcing our commitment to safer workplaces and laying the groundwork for further progress in 2025 and beyond.

Training and Technology

A key focus in 2024 was employee training. Safety leadership training was introduced for supervisors and managers across Finland, Sweden, Poland, and Lithuania. This initiative aimed to strengthen leadership skills and promote a proactive approach to safety at all levels of the organization.

The SafeStart training program was also expanded, providing employees with practical tools to identify and mitigate risks in their daily tasks. The program has already shown positive results, improving safety awareness and behavior across our factories.

On the technology front, advancements were made in data analysis and reporting. Data from HR systems and the Kiwa Impact platform was analyzed in PowerBI to improve trend identification and targeted interventions. In 2024, the use of the Kiwa Impact system was streamlined to enhance the flow of critical safety information between frontline employees and decision-makers.

Steel pole from Ylivieska facility Nordec project in Poland

Risk Management

In 2024, the RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statement) framework was further developed to align with local safety requirements across all markets where Nordec operates. This ensures that our safety practices meet the diverse needs of our international operations. While full implementation is planned for 2025, the groundwork was laid last year to ensure a smooth transition.

Incident investigations remained a central part of the safety strategy. Root causes and corrective actions were summarized and communicated across the organization, ensuring that lessons learned were shared widely. An enhanced incentive system was introduced to encourage proactive safety improvements and early reporting of potential issues.

Results and Future Priorities

Nordec’s long-term safety efforts have led to a steady decline in lost time injury frequency (LTIF), which dropped to 7.29 in 2024, just a quarter of its original level from 2020. This result demonstrates the impact of Nordec’s structured safety programs and the commitment of employees at all levels.

In 2025, we will continue strengthening the safety culture, further integrating proactive risk management, and working toward our goal of zero lost-time injuries.

Commitment to safety: Nordec Poland

At Nordec, safety is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe and secure working environment for all employees and partners, ensuring their well-being is a top priority. This dedication to safety is fundamental to our success and reflects our core values.

Comprehensive safety programs and initiatives

Our commitment to safety at Nordec Poland is evident through comprehensive safety programs, training sessions, and continuous improvement initiatives. These efforts have resulted in significant safety achievements, showcasing our dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards.

Nordec’s Business Area Manager for Poland, Joanna Gomułka-Komarnicka emphasizes the importance of thorough planning and safety measures, stating, “Before we start a new project, we have a meeting with the entire team on-site to set targets and ensure everyone understands the Nordec standards. At the end of every month, we hold a summary meeting to address any discrepancies and ensure compliance. At the beginning of a project, some people may overlook the importance of safety, thinking their way of working is sufficient. However, daily checks and corrections help guide them in the right direction. When employees see that safety is a priority for their managers, they start to realize it is not just a slogan.”

Nordec project in Ostrołęka, Poland

Continuous improvement and employee engagement

To ensure continuous improvement in safety practices, Joanna Gomułka-Komarnicka explains, “We show our team and subcontractors that safety is extremely important, not only for the company but first and foremost for them. By maintaining high safety standards, we demonstrate our commitment to their well-being.”

Joanna also highlights some of the best safety practices that have been particularly effective: “Hiring a site HSE specialist to maintain an appropriate level of safety, train people, check personal equipment daily, and inspect work on-site. Soon, we plan to introduce an incentive system, rewarding one or two site workers with a small reward once a quarter for positive safety behaviors.”

In Poland, employee training and engagement play a crucial role in maintaining Nordec’s safety standards. Training sessions remind people what safety is, refresh their knowledge, and provide examples of the importance of developing safe habits. Engaging employees in safety practices ensures that they understand and adhere to safety protocols, fostering a culture of safety within the organization.

At Nordec’s construction sites in Poland, safety is not just a priority; it is the cornerstone of our daily operations. Through continuous training, employee engagement, and commitment to safety and continuous improvement, we strive to maintain the highest safety standards, ensuring a secure working environment for all.

More about Health & Safety at Nordec!

Read about safety at our Ylivieska production plant!

Commitment to safety: Nordec’s Ylivieska production plant

At Nordec, safety is a core value that guides all our operations. We strive to create a safe and secure working environment for all employees and partners. We believe that ensuring the well-being of our employees and partners is fundamental to our success.

We prioritize safety through our programs, training, and continuous improvements. These efforts have led to significant safety achievements, showing our commitment to high safety standards.

Nordec’s Ylivieska production plant

Our Ylivieska facility, located in Northern Ostrobothnia, Western Finland, specializes in welded beams and columns for frames and bridge structures. It is a key site for our operations, known for its advanced production capabilities and commitment to quality and safety. The facility plays a crucial role in our manufacturing processes and contributes significantly to our overall output. The facility employs 140 people and features state-of-the-art outfitting and surface treatment capabilities, including shot blasting and painting.

Plant manager Jouni Korkiakangas summarizes: “Each department at the Ylivieska facility has implemented specific measures that contribute to our overall success. A key aspect of our safety strategy is the thorough induction of new employees. In the past two years, we have onboarded approximately 80 workers and staff members, ensuring they are well-versed in our safety programs and protocols.”

Safety in focus

The focus has been on lifting operations, where accidents are rare but can have severe consequences, and on eye injuries, which are common but usually mild. As Jouni Korkiakangas puts it, “Our focus on these areas has been instrumental in maintaining a safe working environment.”

He continues: “While we have not faced any specific challenges, our proactive approach includes weekly meetings to review new observations and near misses. These sessions are crucial for identifying and addressing potential issues, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Employee training and engagement play a vital role in maintaining safety standards, as every training session positively impacts our safety culture.”

Monthly meetings with employees to discuss selected observations and near misses have proven particularly effective, often generating the best development ideas from the employees. Themed weekly safety rounds ensure comprehensive checks, covering all aspects of safety beyond just tidiness.

At Nordec’s Ylivieska facility, safety is not just a priority; it is the cornerstone of daily operations. Through continuous training, employee engagement, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we strive to maintain the highest safety standards, ensuring a secure working environment for all.

Our goal is zero accidents! More about our health and safety at Nordec.

Tag: Safety