At SAMBAZON, we take pride in our commitment to maintain high standards of quality, safety, and accident prevention in our factories. Our AA+ rated factories in Brazil are no exception, and Safety Week is a testament to our dedication to worker safety and working conditions. In this blog, we will hear directly from our employees about their experiences at this year’s Safety Week and how this experience contributes to our goal of maintaining our modern, safe factories with a positive company culture.
Our Two Factories in Brazil
Our two SAMBAZON factories in Brazil, located in Macapá, Amapá, and Belém, Pará, have achieved the prestigious AA+ grade from the BRCGS, along with the additional FSMA (Food Safety and Modernization Act) Module certification. This remarkable achievement signifies the highest level of food safety standards and quality assurance.
The BRCGS is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is the gold standard for good manufacturing practices worldwide. Having both our factories certified with an AA+ grade demonstrates our unwavering commitment that our products are not only safe and legal but also of the highest quality. Furthermore, the FSMA Module ensures compliance with USA food safety requirements, making SAMBAZON the only Acai company and one of few food companies in Brazil to achieve this exceptional AA+ score. With these certifications in place, we are well-equipped to meet and exceed food safety requirements for customers worldwide.
What is Safety Week at SAMBAZON
Safety Week is a significant event at SAMBAZON factories, marked by special shirts, posters, banners, and presentations, all designed to emphasize the importance of safety in our workplace. It serves as a platform to educate, engage, and empower our team members to prioritize safety in their daily routines.
Maria Leticia Miranda Fernandes, a Cleaning Assistant, who has worked for two years and six months at SAMBAZON, describes Safety Week as a time "aimed at preventing accidents and occupational illnesses." She highlights how it raises awareness among employees about the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) and performing their duties safely.
Why is Safety Week Important?
Safety Week is an opportunity to display the commitment of SAMBAZON Brazil to international standards of safety and quality. As Bernardo de Souza e Sousa, a Supply Analyst with five years of experience at SAMBAZON, explains, "it promotes a safe environment for me and my co-workers."
Samia de Sousa Oliveira, a DP Analyst with four years of employment with SAMBAZON, emphasizes that Safety Week promotes "a better quality of life for employees" while preventing accidents and incidents. It's about fostering a sense of responsibility among all employees to avoid accidents at work.
Preparation for SIPAT 2023
The preparation for Safety Week (SIPAT) 2023 began well in advance. The team sought sponsors to provide gifts for the event's raffle, shared knowledge through lectures, and decorated the event spaces. This careful planning ensures that the week is a valuable and impactful experience for all participants in the employee training. The whole company is involved, from the highest levels of leadership to the most junior employees, all voices are heard in this commitment to worker safety.
Investing in Worker Safety
At SAMBAZON, we make investments in intellectual content to enhance the skills and knowledge of employees. This includes lectures aimed at employee development and steady improvement of safety parameters through continual training programs. SAMBAZON aims to create a safer work environment for all employees through this investment.
The Impact of SIPAT on Employees
Franciane Nascimento Vilhena has 2 years of experience as a Lab Assistant. She believes that SIPAT “involves a series of components, from direct and indirect communication, collective development, which... promotes a better quality of life for us workers, so that we can carry out a more organized and peaceful working day in the work environment." It provides essential standards that encourage teamwork and motivates employees to perform their duties safely and responsibly for their fellow workers.
Acinildo Pereira Lobato, a Forklift Operator with 16 years of SAMBAZON employment, stresses that SIPAT improves self-esteem and productivity among employees: “everyone is instructed on workplace safety… All of this makes employees feel more valued by the company and further increases the productivity of all employees.” It creates an environment where safety professionals play a vital role in ensuring everyone's safety.
Our Commitment to Safety Week
Safety Week at SAMBAZON is more than just a week of activities; it's a testament to our unwavering commitment to worker safety and well-being. Our employees in Brazil work tirelessly to ensure that our factories meet high safety standards, and Safety Week is a crucial component of that effort.
As we continue to invest in the safety and development of our employees, BRCGS will continue to validate our efforts and we look forward to maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and accident prevention. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and Safety Week is a shining example of our commitment to maintaining a secure and modern work environment, not just in Brazil, but everywhere SAMBAZON operates.
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