Workplace Safety

Your safety is of paramount concern to Vantage Foods. As such, Vantage is firmly committed to:

• Providing a work environment that promotes a healthy and safe workplace
• Meeting and exceeding all required workplace health and safety requirements in all Customer Service Centres
• Supporting Employee Health and Safety Committees in each Customer Service Centre to ensure direct feedback on important health and safety issues
• Direct action on feedback from Employee Health and Safety Committees

Employee Responsibility

Vantage employees are responsible for:

• Understanding and adhering to all applicable legislation and workplace safety and health requirements
• Following all regulations and work rules to ensure the safety of individuals or other employees
• Declining to undertake work which is unsafe, either to individuals or other employees

Supervisors and Management Responsibility

Vantage supervisors and management are responsible for:

• Taking all precautions necessary to protect the safety and health of employees
• Ensuring all employees understand and follow required safety procedures, whether required by legislation or company operating practices
• Ensuring all protective equipment is used properly and all operating machinery is in good repair and does not present a hazard to employees
• Advising employees about real and possible risks encountered on the job to minimize the possibility of injury or accident

Vantage Foods’ Responsibility

As a responsible employer, Vantage Foods is responsible for:

• Providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees
• Ensuring that all safety and health regulations are met
• Ensuring that employees, supervisors, and managers have the information, training, certification, supervision, and experience to perform job tasks safely
• Establishing and supporting a Health and Safety Committee in each Customer Service Centre to:
  • Identify and make recommendations concerning any possible unsafe or unhealthy work situations
  • Provide input to the organization on safety and health issues in the workplace
  • Help drive effective communication about health and safety programs to all employees

Vantage Foods has formal policies and procedures regarding health and safety and emergency management. Employees can access this information and the specific steps involved in their Employee Handbook.

Vantage Health and Safety Practices and Rules

Vantage Foods has a comprehensive approach to health and safety practices and rules that is consistent in all Customer Service Centres. These are outlined in the Employee Handbook and are covered in detail during new employee orientation and training. Following is a partial excerpt:

"As an employee at Vantage Foods, your commitment to your own safety and to the safety of your fellow employees requires you to:

• Learn the correct and safe method to perform your job. If you have any doubts, check with your supervisor
• Follow instructions and obey the safety rules designed for your protection. Suggestions for improving work safety processes are welcomed and should be raised with your supervisor
• Immediately report any injury, accident, fire, or other emergency, or any defective equipment, machinery, or unsafe working conditions to your supervisor
• Use CSA or ANSI-approved footwear, hardhats, and hearing protection. This is mandatory in all Service Centres. Other personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on your job
• Make proper use of and take care of all your personal protective equipment. If your PPE is damaged, report it immediately and replace if necessary
• Observe all posted safety rules and regulations as well as any company health and safety policies and procedures
• Avoid wearing any loose clothing that could become entangled in machinery. Jewellery (necklaces, earrings, bracelets, or rings) must NOT be worn in operating areas. Chewing gum is NOT allowed in any operating area
• Maintain your good health. Poor physical condition can lead to accidents. If you are unwell, see your supervisor – we can help
• Avoid being distracted at work. Being distracted or engaging in horseplay can lead to accidents and injury. Horseplay endangers your safety and the safety of others. Vantage Foods offers employees access to and the use of an Employee Assistance Plan if you are worried about personal or other health issues
• Operate only those machines for which you are trained. Do not attempt any work which is unsafe or for which you are not authorized"

Food Safety

As a provider of fresh case-ready meat products to our retail customers, food safety is top priority in all Customer Service Centres and embraces all aspects of production from raw material intake right through to packaging and distribution. All Vantage Service Centres are HACCP approved and monitored by federal government inspectors (CFIA and the USDA).

Vantage employees are responsible for:

• Observing all food safety rules and regulations
• Contributing to the maintenance of a clean and sanitary workplace
• Washing hands before entering the production floor and as required throughout the workday
• Wearing sanitized clothing, face masks, hairnets, hard hats, gloves, and rubber boots on the production floor
• Completing the Vantage food safety training program

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