Annual Safety Pause

In October, employees across our entire organization came together for Hydro’s Annual Safety Pause. Held as we entered busy winter readiness season, the event served as a timely reminder that no matter the time of year or the pressures of looming deadlines, taking a moment to pause and prioritize safety is paramount. Above all, ensuring every employee goes home safely at the end of each day is the foundation of our safety culture.

During the live virtual address, President and CEO Jennifer celebrated numerous safety successes across our offices and worksites – including a significant decrease in recordable injuries – while also recognizing that there’s always room for continued improvement. Reaffirming our commitment to safety, Jennifer shared key insights from a recent systematic safety review and introduced a multi-disciplinary team that has been formed to continue the company’s safety mandate. The team includes representatives from all levels of leadership, corporate and operations support, as well as union leadership – all working together to enhance safety standards across our organization.

Safety Culture Survey

As part of our efforts to make relevant and meaningful progress, Hydro also completed a Safety Culture survey in 2024. With an impressive 80% completion rate, the survey will provide valuable insights into the company’s safety culture. Employees and contractors shared their thoughts on what is working well and where there might be opportunities for improvement. The survey results will be shared and explored in 2025.

Positive Safety Trends

Hydro also realized several positive safety trends in 2024:
• To the end of December, the Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF) rate showed significant improvement over the same time last year (thirteen events versus twenty one), with five lost time (LT) injuries, six medical treatment (MT) injuries two first aid with restrictions (FAR).
• The severity of LT injuries was also lower in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2024, the average number of lost days was 3.6 days/injury whereas for the same time period in 2023, it was 40.58 lost days/injury.
• Of the five LT injuries in 2024, all were relatively minor in nature with the exception of an electrical contact in Churchill Falls (CF), which was also classified as a high potential.
• The target for Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF) was met in 2024, however the target for Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF) was exceeded while showing improvement over the previous year.

Health and Wellness Initiatives

We recognize that ensuring the safety of our employees includes their health and well-being. In addition to our standard programs such as Early and Safe Return to Work, Attendance Support and Employee and Family Assistance Program, our Health and Wellness Committee, which is composed of a corporate steering committee and regional supports, introduces initiatives and events aimed at ensuring a total safety and health experience for our employees. In 2024, Hydro introduced a pilot project with Medavie Blue Cross which provided personalized and holistic chronic disease coaching for employees who were challenged with diabetes, obesity and hypertension. The six-month trial saw the creation of a customized health care plan with possible referrals to other health care professionals and lifestyle change education and resources.

In coordination with members of the Health and Wellness Committee, regional wellness funding was announced, providing the means for regional areas to support wellness initiatives that ranged from exercise equipment, in-person sessions with subject matter experts and wellness breaks.