Innovative Safety Initiatives and Industry Benchmarks in Manufacturing
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/02/24
Cristian Rodriguez is the Vice President of Safety, Sustainability, and People at Wajax, based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. With over a decade of senior leadership experience, he brings expertise in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters, focusing on fostering workplace safety, promoting sustainability, and supporting community well-being. Previously, Cristian held key roles at SNC-Lavalin, including Director of Global Health and Safety, where he drove innovative solutions for health and environmental challenges. Passionate about creating psychologically safer workplaces, Cristian champions sustainability initiatives and inspires positive change across industries. Connect with him to explore impactful ESG strategies. Rodriguez emphasizes the pivotal role of safety in manufacturing planning at Wajax, highlighting its contribution to operational success through enhanced employee well-being, retention, and productivity. Innovative strategies, such as tailored safety training and wellness programs, integrate safety into daily operations. Rodriguez underscores that prioritizing safety boosts productivity, meets industry standards, and fosters trust. With advancements in AI, Wajax leverages technology to predict hazards and optimize workflows. Reflecting on lessons from past experiences, Wajax has adopted a proactive safety approach. Achieving industry benchmarks, like a TRIF below 1.00, and earning certifications further solidify Wajax’s leadership in safety excellence.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: How does prioritizing safety in manufacturing planning contribute to long-term operational success?
Cristian Rodriguez: Prioritizing safety is integral to everything we do at Wajax. Our people are our greatest asset, and by safeguarding their mental and physical health, we enhance job satisfaction and retention, which directly contributes to our long-term operational success. Putting safety first helps to boost productivity, reduce downtime, and lower costs.
Jacobsen: What innovative strategies has Wajax implemented to ensure workforce safety?
Rodriguez: Wajax has implemented several strategies to ensure workforce safety, including safety orientation training tailored to employees’ roles, situational awareness training, and safety leadership training for managers and supervisors. Beyond physical safety, we’ve implemented mental health initiatives and wellness programs to promote overall well-being, reflecting our integrated approach to workforce safety.
Jacobsen: Is it possible to improve safety while maintaining productivity?
Rodriguez: Absolutely. By integrating safety protocols into daily operations, Wajax has reduced injuries while improving overall efficiency. Each day at Wajax begins with a pre-shift safety meeting to discuss the jobs that will be performed that day and the associated hazards. This ensures that everyone is focused on what needs to be done, and more importantly, that it’s done safely. When safety is prioritized, productivity naturally follows.
Jacobsen: How does safety-focused planning help manufacturing companies meet industry standards?
Rodriguez: Safety-focused planning helps companies like Wajax meet and exceed industry standards by continuously improving. We are never completely satisfied and are always looking for ways to improve our overall safety performance. This enhances our reputation as a leader in the industry when it comes to health and safety.
Jacobsen: How does embedding safety into manufacturing protocols foster trust in business?
Rodriguez: At Wajax, we don’t just talk about safety—we live it every day. It is embedded in everything we do; it’s who we are. When our people and customers see that their safety comes first, it helps to foster trust and loyalty in Wajax as an organization.
Jacobsen: What is the importance of a commitment to safety principles and protocols for reputation and relationships with stakeholders?
Rodriguez: It’s very important. Safety must be demonstrated each day. People need to see it and feel it. Our dedication to safety and well-being is crucial for maintaining a positive reputation and building strong relationships with our stakeholders. It shows what our values are and that we truly are a company that puts people first.
Jacobsen: How will the integration of advanced technologies in manufacturing continue in an AI era?
Rodriguez: We are very excited about the possibilities that AI brings. AI-powered tools can be useful in helping to identify potential hazards and predict safety issues before they occur. They can help to optimize workflows, leading to a safer and more efficient work environment. At Wajax, we are focused on leveraging technology to improve safety and operational efficiency.
Jacobsen: What lessons has Wajax learned from past experiences shaping current approaches to safety in manufacturing?
Rodriguez: Wajax has learned several valuable lessons from past experiences, such as the importance of continuous improvement, the need for comprehensive training programs, and the benefits of leveraging technologies. In the past, our focus was more reactive when it came to safety. Now, we have adjusted our mindset to a more proactive approach. For example, when an incident occurs, rather than looking at compatibility, we focus on what we can do to improve, what lessons we can learn, and what type of controls can be put into place to better protect the health and safety of our teammates.
Jacobsen: What are the safety initiatives set as a benchmark for the industry in 2025?
Rodriguez: Every year we raise the bar a little higher as we keep looking to improve our safety performance. We have set several safety initiatives as benchmarks for the industry, including achieving a Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF) of less than 1.00 and continuously improving safety training programs. We recently achieved Platinum Level Certification for both Mental Health at Work and Healthy Workplace, which is something we are very proud of.
Jacobsen: With prominent coverage of Wajax in BNN Bloomberg and Chief Executive, how has visibility helped amplify the importance of safety in the manufacturing sector?
Rodriguez: The prominent coverage of Wajax has helped to raise awareness about the importance of safety and well-being in our industry, not just for Wajax but for all our peer organizations. Safety cannot exist in isolation; it needs to be incorporated into everything that a company does. Our increased visibility has positioned us as a leader in the industry when it comes to promoting a strong safety culture, focusing not only on physical but also mental health and wellness programs.
Jacobsen: Thank you for the opportunity and your time, Cristian.
Last updated May 3, 2025. These terms govern all In Sight Publishing content—past, present, and future—and supersede any prior notices. In Sight Publishing by Scott Douglas Jacobsen is licensed under a Creative Commons BY‑NC‑ND 4.0; © In Sight Publishing by Scott Douglas Jacobsen 2012–Present. All trademarks, performances, databases & branding are owned by their rights holders; no use without permission. Unauthorized copying, modification, framing or public communication is prohibited. External links are not endorsed. Cookies & tracking require consent, and data processing complies with PIPEDA & GDPR; no data from children < 13 (COPPA). Content meets WCAG 2.1 AA under the Accessible Canada Act & is preserved in open archival formats with backups. Excerpts & links require full credit & hyperlink; limited quoting under fair-dealing & fair-use. All content is informational; no liability for errors or omissions: Feedback welcome, and verified errors corrected promptly. For permissions or DMCA notices, email: scott.jacobsen2025@gmail.com. Site use is governed by BC laws; content is “as‑is,” liability limited, users indemnify us; moral, performers’ & database sui generis rights reserved.
In-Sight Publishing 