EAST BERLIN, Conn. — EDRO Corp., a third-generation, family-owned company, reports it celebrated 300 consecutive days without a reported injury in their manufacturing facility on Aug. 10.
EDRO employees weld, cut sheet metal, assemble and test a range of “battleship quality” washer-extractors and tumbler dryers. The management team and safety committee take safety protocols and procedures seriously, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Kristin Caruso, human resources manager and head of the safety committee, says the company ensures that weekly safety inspections are performed throughout the site.
“Every week, I receive an inspection sheet from each production floor department,” she says. “The departmental heads carry out a daily walkthrough and ensure that all machines are working correctly, all safety guards are in place, and there are no dangerous sharp edges, trip hazards, or fluid spills.”
EDRO is proud to have a group of long-term employees that are passionate about their work.
“We have a lot of guys that have been here for a long time,” continues Caruso. “They have a ton of experience and take a huge amount of pride in what they’re doing. That’s a key point for our company.”
Materials Manager Mike Evans is an operations representative for the safety committee. He describes the process involved in a new employee learning to operate a machine.
“We implement a train-the-trainer methodology. First, the trainee is shown how to operate the machine,” he says. “Then the trainee demonstrates what he/she has learned. Finally, the trainee instructs the trainer on how to operate the machine as if the trainer was the new employee.”
EDRO says it ensures that employees are supplied with the correct PPE equipment when working in the manufacturing facility.
“We always make sure our employees are wearing safety boots and safety glasses at all times,” Evans says. “We also adhere to a strict facemask and disinfecting policy during the current pandemic. Helmets and gloves are compulsory for all welders.”
Scott Kirejczyk, managing director and safety committee advisor, says that the company has always promoted employee safety as the No. 1 priority.
“Our goal is to treat employees with respect and dignity,” he says. “We want to provide a safe-and-stable work environment. EDRO started its safety committee meetings in the 1980s and it has been active for more than three decades.
“Listening to, and acting on, the employees’ safety concerns helps the company maintain good HR relations. This a key component in retaining employees. We’re only as strong as our weakest link.”
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