A Safer CF
Manufacturing nitrogen fertilizer involves complex chemical processes that demand the highest levels of operational excellence in order to be performed in a safe manner. That’s why we consider safety our highest priority and a foundational strength.
G4-LA6; UNSDG #9, #12
scrollCF’s approach to safety is grounded in our “Do It Right” culture – a motto that means we put safety first, operate our facilities to the highest standards, share knowledge and best practices among teams, and do the right things for the right reasons.
In 2016, we implemented a new comprehensive environmental health and safety (EHS) strategy. The new policy shifts our focus away from avoiding failure and toward achieving safety excellence. It recognizes the three ingredients needed to “Do It Right”: training and systems that teach people the meaning of “Do It Right”; tools and procedures that make “Do It Right” easy; and a safety culture and set of habits that encourage people to “Do It Right” every time they come to work.
A strong safety culture also requires an awareness and understanding of best practices. In 2016, we saw marked improvement in process safety awareness thanks to a revitalized and strengthened Process Safety Council, which is comprised of members from each operating location who discuss emerging topics in process safety. The council’s work has helped spread lessons learned throughout our international network, enhancing process safety across CF.
Safety Performance
The Right People
Employees are our most important safety resource, and everyone who works in our production and distribution facilities receives regular safety, health and process operation training. This includes annual EHS training and testing that focuses on daily operations, as well as hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER) and hazardous materials (HAZMAT). We also work closely with emergency responders and other local officials to develop detailed emergency response plans that extend beyond our physical plants. These measures have paid off. CF scored in the 92nd percentile in a National Safety Council survey, which elicits employee opinions about a broad spectrum of components or elements that contribute to successful safety management.
The Right Network
Another element of safety involves delivering products to our customers efficiently and without incident. This requires attention to the distribution, storage and handling of our products.
Each year, CF ships more than one million tons of anhydrous ammonia, a hazardous material, to customers and distribution facilities by rail. CF received the 2016 Association of American Railroads – Bureau of Explosives Grand Slam Award. This award is given to shippers that have been recognized by at least four Class I North American railroads for zero non-accident releases (NARs) over the calendar year.
To ensure safety of products once at retailers, we have taken a leadership role in ResponsibleAg, an independent nonprofit organization that supports fertilizer retailers’ compliance with federal safety and security storage and handling regulations.
