Safety at Sierra Pacific Industries: A Commitment That Starts with Our Crew

At SPI, safety isn’t just a priority – it’s a fundamental part of our culture. Across every area of our company, from our manufacturing facilities, both sawmills and window plants, to our trucking division, forestry operations, fabrication & tech shops, and even to our office spaces, safety is ingrained in everything we do. Our crew members are trained and expected to make safety a routine part of their day-to-day work, no matter where they are.

This commitment starts at the top. Our leadership teams meet regularly to ensure that our safety policies remain consistent, effective, and continuously evolving. Safety drives our actions and decisions each day. We’ve implemented ongoing improvements in crew training, facility signage, and personal protective equipment (PPE) policies to maintain the highest safety standards.

Importantly, safety at Sierra Pacific isn’t just a top-down initiative. Our crew members are encouraged to contribute to this culture of safety. In fact, some of our best safety practices come directly from the insights of those working on the ground. Crew members in our manufacturing facilities are encouraged to bring their ideas for improvement to their supervisors. Each division also has a safety committee that meets regularly to discuss enhancements and identify ways to achieve next-level safety performance. These collaborative efforts help ensure that every employee goes home safe at the end of the day.

Take 60: A Program Born from Our Crew's Safety-First Approach

Our Take 60 program is a perfect example of safety in action, originating from our Shelton, WA mill. The concept is simple but powerful: before starting any task, stop and take 60 seconds to assess the risks. Ask yourself these key questions:

• Do I have the skills and training to complete this task safely?
• Can I do this without risking injury to myself or others?
• Is this the safest procedure for the task?
• Do I have the right tools to work safely?
• Am I wearing the correct PPE?
• Is the area properly locked out, or am I using required fall protection?

If you can’t confidently answer “yes” to all six, pause and seek help. Taking that extra moment to think can prevent accidents and ensure a safe outcome.

Recognition for Excellence: Oroville Division’s Elite Star VPP Status

In June 2024, our Oroville Division earned the prestigious Star Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) status from the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal OSHA), for exceeding workplace health and safety standards. Out of only 68 companies in California to receive this recognition, Oroville is the first and only sawmill to ever achieve this honor.

Achieving Star VPP status took eight years of rigorous work, including comprehensive employee training and significant enhancements to the work environment. Yet, Oroville didn’t stop at meeting Cal OSHA’s stringent requirements. They consistently aimed higher, fine-tuning safety procedures and raising the bar.

This recognition is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Oroville crew. Division Manager Mike Vinum emphasized, “To achieve this honor, you need a culture of safety, with buy-in from the entire crew. It’s the crew who deserves the credit for this remarkable achievement.”

Mike Vinum, Oroville Manager and Rick Parsons, Safety Coordinator accepting the award alongside Oroville crew at June 2024 VPP Recognition BBQ.