[AIB Update] Up Front

Take Integration Seriously

Some of the most exciting events in my career have been the integration of people and responsibilities into food safety. And, in each case, it has been for the better.

When I first started in food safety, sanitation crews were made up mostly of men. They had this macho attitude concerning hearing, eye and respiratory protection. While safety training was easy, enforcement was difficult. But, when women became more common on these crews, they eagerly used the personal protective equipment and so did most of the men! For whatever reason, the inclusion of women changed the attitude and behavior of the men.

When sanitation was left up to the sanitarian and crew, cleaning was generally scheduled during downtimes, which varied due to production schedules. Production crews often left the equipment and surrounding areas of the facility a mess with an attitude that cleaning was somebody else’s job. While the sanitation department would struggle with the time constraints and work very hard to meet their objectives, they were up against the clock and would often not be able to complete their tasks before production was scheduled. This led to failure and finger pointing.

But when management started integrating the responsibilities, not allowing production crews to leave their areas in a mess, coordinating maintenance tasks with sanitation schedules, and incorporating design features to improve and more easily clean the facility and equipment, not only did the cleaning improve, but so did the efficiencies of cleaning and scheduling. Integrating the responsibilities of food safety between all departments improved and changed the behavior of the production and maintenance staff.

The same was seen when food safety committees were formed. Before committees, the sanitarian or quality manager was responsible for inspecting the food safety program. But, when all departments were integrated into the self-inspection team, not only did the various departments become more involved, but each member became more accountable for their responsibilities and it was much easier to get support for various food safety programs. Communication and follow up improved dramatically. In each case integrating people, responsibilities and communication improved behavior and cooperation.

I have always enjoyed when a new employee joins our teaching staff. They generally bring new energy, ideas and questions as to why we do or design our training programs the way we do. We find ourselves defending our existing policies and programs, but if we leave ourselves open to change, we almost always learn from the experience. Integrating ideas, new staff and experience is important for improving our programs. Take integration seriously. Integrated Pest Management does not just mean that the pest control department or contractor puts out a variety of traps, chemicals, etc. It means that all facility departments are involved and aware of their responsibility. Keeping a door closed is part of IPM.

Likewise, an Integrated Quality System is not the responsibility of the quality department. All departments have a responsibility to food safety and quality. And years of experience has taught me that you will only succeed with an integrated approach. AIB

The author is Vice President of Food Safety Education, AIB International.