The sawmilling division of J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) set a safety record in September, achieving the lowest incident rates in its history.
Over a twelve-month period, the recordable incident rate fell to 1.89, a 40% improvement from last year, while the lost-time injury rate dropped to 0.78, a 65% improvement. These results highlight the impact of a prevention-focused approach and collective commitment.
This performance reflects a cultural shift within the sawmilling division, where safety has become a core value. Employees are encouraged to report hazards and intervene before an incident occurs. This proactive approach, emphasizing prevention and shared responsibility, has strengthened overall vigilance.
According to Daniel Couturier, Senior Director of Health and Safety, this success is rooted in worker engagement: “Our goal is for every employee to return home safe and sound each day. These results show what can be achieved through constant involvement, innovation, and shared responsibility.”
The announcement reflects a broader trend in the forest sector, where workplace safety is increasingly viewed as a performance criterion on par with productivity and sustainability. With this record, JDI positions itself as a company that places employee protection at the heart of its priorities.
Founded in 1882 and based in Saint John, New Brunswick, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is a family-owned, diversified company active in forestry, transportation, agriculture, and shipbuilding. In the forest sector, JDI manages millions of hectares of certified forests and operates sawmills, pulp and paper mills, and processing facilities. The company emphasizes sustainable practices, safety, training, and innovation to support its employees and the communities where it operates.
