We are pleased to showcase our newest Back Protection Agent, Lawrence Warren from Miramichi.
Lawrence has been employed with DEW Engineering and Development ULC since March 2010 and has served as a safety and maintenance manager since July. DEW Engineering refurbishes and manufactures armour add-ons for Canadian military vehicles. Producing a high quality product that meets and exceeds NATO standards is labour intensive and strenuous on the body.
“I have seen how injuries can impact friends and colleagues in the workplace, and closer to home I witnessed my father recover from a work-related back injury. I understand how difficult it can be on both the injured, and their family,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence Warren has been named WorkSafeNB's BackAgent of the Month for November.
Lawrence learned about the campaign while attending WorkSafeNB’s Annual Health and Safety Conference in November.
“Our company does a great job of supporting various programs to spot hazards and reward continuous improvement,” he said. “This campaign is a natural fit.”
As someone with a keen eye for workplace health and safety, Warren took action when he noticed workers lugging portable fuel containers around the worksite.
“While investigating a potential environmental concern with filling portable fuel containers, I observed an employee awkwardly carrying these heavy cans to fuel equipment.”
Noting the safety concern, his idea was to add a locally-made spill tray to a transfer cart to reduce the hazard on both sides.
“Now the employees can roll up to the bulk station, fill the containers and roll the cart to their work area – no spills and less physical handling.”
Warren said simple actions like this don’t cost much and can spare workers and their employers a lot of pain down the road.
“Anyone can make a difference,” he said. “I believe the most effective way is to recognize a hazard and act to prevent an accident or injury from happening in the first place.”
Congratulations, Lawrence! You are to be commended for protecting backs at work.