Evonik Degussa Canada’s Gibbons Site Reports 7 Years Without Accident

Evonik Degussa Canada, Inc.’s Gibbons, Alberta hydrogen peroxide facility has achieved another safety milestone – employees have worked seven years without a lost time accident.

The last time the site had a lost time accident - a work related personal injury resulting in at least one day off from the job - was in 2003.

Thomas Rieche, Head of Evonik's Active Oxygens Business Line, said the Gibbons plant has always had a strong safety culture, built on teamwork and the personal commitment of each individual. “It is this commitment that has made this accomplishment possible,” said Rieche. “Reaching seven years without a lost time accident is a significant safety landmark and emphasizes the priority that each of our employees place on safety. This achievement could not have been possible without a focused effort at all levels of the work force to work safely.”

Evonik daily strives for a zero-accident safety culture, added Jack Chenault, Active Oxygens Vice President and General Manager – North America. "This safety milestone is a phenomenal achievement by Evonik’s Gibbons employees,” said Chenault. “They are to be commended for their tremendous efforts. But we will not rest on our laurels. We will continue to work safely, pay attention to what we’re doing, use common sense and take time to do things the correct - and safe - way,”

Richard Boettcher, Evonik Site Manager, noted Evonik’s Gibbons facility is consistently ranked among the top facilities in the country in terms of safety and production.

“Safety is everyone's responsibility from the individual leaders to each employee to our corporate leaders," Boettcher continued. “This achievement is a tribute to our Gibbons employees’ continual vigilance in recognizing and correcting unsafe conditions and actions, as well as their dedication to ongoing safety and process training. Each employee has performed with the highest level of professionalism."

Boettcher noted that the site, which is about 45 minutes from Edmonton, has received numerous safety awards. CN, one of the world’s largest railroads, awarded nine consecutive Safe Handling Awards to Evonik Degussa Canada, in recognition of shipments from the Gibbons facility.

Hydrogen peroxide is a clear, colorless liquid used in the pulp and paper, mining, environmental, textile, personal care, electronics and other industries.

With an annual capacity approaching 600,000 metric tons, Evonik's Industrial Chemicals Business Unit is the world's second-largest producer of the eco-friendly bleaching and oxidizing agent hydrogen peroxide. Evonik produces hydrogen peroxide in Germany, Belgium, Austria, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Korea, Indonesia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

For additional information about Evonik Industries in North America, please visit our website: www.evonik.com/north-america.