Safety Matters

Individual Safety Champion - Karla Hamilton

Karla Hamilton has been a driving force for safety at Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems. For nearly 30 years,  she has continuously worked to improve the perception and commitment to safety by everyone in her company.

Her Supervisor said, “Karla has helped employees understand that they should wear safety glasses to protect their vision, not that they should wear them because it is a rule. She is the go-to person for safety on the floor and is a great asset.”

Karla is a key member of Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems’ JOHSC committee. In this role she has directly influenced the company’s safety practices including:

• Improving the monthly safety audit process
• Creating a new risk assessment policy and process
• Reviewing safety signage on the production floor
• Organization of First Aid stations
• Serving as Incident Investigations lead

In 2010, Karla single-handedly lobbied the local union and the company on the benefits of an AED on the job site. Thanks to her persuasive urging, the AED was purchased.

Thanks to Karla’s efforts and the company-wide focus on working safely, time-loss incidents decreased by 75 per cent in 2010, compared to 2009 and  medical aid incidents dropped 40 per cent.