Page 2 - Suncor 360 - September 2014 - English

MY JOURNEY TO ZERO

“When it comes to safety,

you’re never wrong

for speaking up.”

Natalie Gray
Advisor, recruitment programs and support
Human Resources, Calgary

With a sticky note that reads ’Safety First’ on

her computer screen and a sense of duty to

point out unsafe situations at work and in her
personal life, Natalie Gray has embraced safety

as a personal value.

She was always aware that Suncor put safety above all else, but recent
incidents and an increasingly intense focus on safety has clearly resonated

with Natalie. It’s a work value she takes with her wherever she goes.

“I play in an intermediate volleyball league and don’t know most of the
people we play against. We were about to start the game and a player

on the opposing team was in his stance ready to receive the ball,” says
Natalie. “He had a lollipop in his mouth. I actually stopped the whole game
and told him that we could not play until he’d removed the lollipop. I just

felt like I had a responsibility to say something. The player said ‘You know,
you’re right’, ran off the court, took it out of his mouth, came back and the
game continued.

“I’d never done anything like that before.”

Having the courage to speak up when you see an unsafe situation –

anytime, anywhere – can make the difference between someone going
home safely or someone becoming seriously injured.

SAFETY MOMENT

Competence, commitment and courage help keep us safe

Competence: Keep yourself, co-workers, friends and family safe by
knowing safety procedures and adhering to them.

Commitment: Like Natalie, make a personal pledge and recognize
the positive results that come from safe behaviours. Safe work
practices mean everyone goes home safely.

Courage: Speaking up when you see an unsafe situation can mean
risk of embarrassment or confrontation, so it takes courage. Never
be afraid to identify a safety hazard. And if someone calls you out

on an unsafe situation, be courteous and grateful that someone
else cared enough to look out for your well-being.