Timing is everything, and over the past two years, EcoChampions at CargoFlo Symington in Winnipeg have made a big difference by making 10 important changes in multiple areas including reducing waste, conserving energy and improving CN’s environmental compliance and overall employee safety.
“When a new third-party vendor took over the contract at CargoFlo Symington and Bob Flanagan, our Senior Manager of Regional Supply Chain Solutions started managing the site, I suggested a priority list of initiatives and corrective actions and they jumped on all of it,” says Steven Santelli, Senior Officer, Dangerous Goods (now Indigenous Relations Manager).
The changes included conserving energy by swapping out incandescent lights with LED bulbs to improve visibility, safety and work efficiency, plus reduce costs.
“It was important because, in the shoulder seasons, it gets darker quicker and remains darker longer. So, for operators to see their transfer equipment, job safety sheets and air monitoring equipment, proper lighting makes it a much safer and more effective workplace,” says Steven.
Overseen by Facility Manager Vince Power, the team also set up special spill containment kits with lids, a hazardous materials shed and proper signage and labelling to reduce potential employee exposure and contamination notes Steven.
“A variety of dangerous goods and non-dangerous goods products are transported at the site, and to secure the waste streams from solids and liquids, we need proper waste handling procedures and equipment to limit our environmental impact,” he explains.
Updated signage that was installed throughout the site will also improve safety, adds Steven.
“We made some more reflective or larger and clarified the speed limit as being 15 kilometers an hour, and in case there are out-of-country employees or contractors on the property, the signage reflects current emergency response numbers for our new vendor and for CN,” he says, noting that new ‘Stop at All Crossings’ signs were also put in.
To ensure safe, effective transfers, several railway tracks were cleaned, grounded and bonded.
“The electricity is dissipated down into the ground, which reduces the chances of a spark occurring, and we upgraded the cables so they’re more visible and can conduct more electricity,” adds Steven.
New magnetic lighted blue flags designed to withstand harsh winter conditions were installed to improve visibility, and the site’s new air monitoring equipment also improves worker safety, reports Steven.
“I value the fact that CN’s team cares about environmental safety, and that they’re looking for positive examples and good role models within the company,” he says.
CN’s EcoConnexions Employee Engagement program – in partnership with Earth Rangers – drives sustainability across CN's network by empowering employees and their families to conserve energy, reduce waste, and improve housekeeping.
Visit our Delivering Responsibly section to learn more about sustainability at CN.
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