In the plastics industry, where complex processes and high-stakes environments are the norm, the importance of safety cannot be overstated. It’s a non-negotiable aspect of our operations and it's integrated into every facet of what we do. However, safety does not exist in a vacuum; it’s intricately linked to our performance.
When we focus on creating a culture of safety, we are also laying the groundwork for optimal performance. Safe operations lead to fewer disruptions, lower risk of incidents, and a more reliable production process. This reliability enhances our ability to meet market demands, which ultimately drives our performance and competitive edge.
Horse racing is no different. Recently, I had the privilege of presenting Layne MacGillivray with the 2024 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Safety Award. If you aren’t from Alberta, you may not be familiar with chuckwagon racing. It is an equestrian rodeo sport in which drivers of a chuckwagon and their outriders, race a team of Thoroughbred horses around a half-mile track. The event was first staged in Calgary over 100 years ago and is now billed as the world’s premier chuckwagon race with 27 drivers, nine heats per night, and 10 nights of racing. It is a fun, energetic, and highly competitive sport. It also comes with risks. Over the decades, there have been wrecks, crashes, even fatalities.
This is the third year in a row that NOVA Chemicals has sponsored the Safety Award for the Stampede. The award goes to the chuckwagon driver who amasses the lowest number of penalties while also accumulating the fastest running time over the 10 days of racing. Layne is an extremely accomplished driver, with a long career of major championships and awards. I’d argue Layne’s success is because he puts safety first. Chuckwagon drivers know you can’t cut corners. You can’t take penalties. While no single driver can win every race, a commitment to safety enables better performance over the long haul.
At NOVA Chemicals, we understand that our success is built on a foundation of safety and performance. By ensuring these principles are at the heart of everything we do, we not only achieve operational excellence, we secure a better future for our company, our employees and the communities we serve.