On October 17th, Kinross officially launched its highly anticipated Safety Excellence training program at our corporate headquarters located in the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada. The inaugural session was spearheaded by Claude Schimper, the dynamic Executive Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer, alongside Kathleen Grandy, the dedicated Senior Vice-President of Human Resources.
This comprehensive global program has been meticulously designed with input from various employee groups to ensure it aligns perfectly with local contexts and needs. Its primary objective is to promote both personal and professional development, significantly bolstering our people-centric safety culture at Kinross.
Over the span of two intensive days, participants immerse themselves in a rich array of activities, team-building exercises, informative video tutorials, and insightful lectures focusing on critical topics of health, safety, and essential human and organizational factors.
This essential training not only enhances individual skills but also fosters positive relationships among employees, thereby contributing to a safe and successful work environment where every employee feels empowered to voice their opinions and make valuable contributions.
Since the program’s inception in 2023, an impressive number of nearly 11,000 employees and business partners have successfully completed the training on a global scale. The Toronto sessions are set to continue and expand until January 2025, ensuring that more employees benefit from this vital initiative.
Check out photos from the first Safety Excellence trainings at our Toronto office here:
Employees close out day two of their Safety Excellence training, reflecting on a rewarding experience.
An employee proudly receives his certification for completing the rigorous Safety Excellence training.
Claude Schimper, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, along with Kathleen Grandy, Senior Vice-President of Human Resources, officially kick off Safety Excellence Training for the Toronto office, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to safety and employee welfare.
Employees actively participate in the inaugural cohort of the Safety Excellence Training at the Toronto office, engaging in fruitful discussions and collaborative learning.
**Interview with Claude Schimper, Executive Vice-President and CEO of Kinross Gold**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Claude. Kinross Gold recently launched its Safety Excellence training program. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this initiative?
**Claude Schimper:** Thank you for having me. The Safety Excellence training program is a culmination of our commitment to prioritizing safety within the workplace. We believe that safety is a non-negotiable aspect of our operations, and this program was designed with input from our employees to ensure it addresses their specific needs and local contexts.
**Interviewer:** That sounds promising! How does this program support the personal and professional development of your employees?
**Claude Schimper:** The program incorporates a range of training modules that not only focus on safety protocols but also on fostering a culture of continuous improvement. We want our employees to feel empowered and equipped with the tools necessary to uphold safety standards and develop their skills, ultimately enhancing their career growth within Kinross.
**Interviewer:** What are some key features of the Safety Excellence program that set it apart from other training programs?
**Claude Schimper:** One of the key features is its global approach while being tailored to local needs. We’ve engaged various employee groups in the content development, ensuring that our training resonates with their day-to-day realities. Additionally, we are leveraging technology to facilitate interactive learning, which we believe enhances retention and application of safety practices.
**Interviewer:** Given that you launched this initiative in Toronto, do you plan to roll it out in all of your operational regions?
**Claude Schimper:** Absolutely. The Toronto launch is just the beginning. We have a phased rollout plan to implement this training program across all our regions, adapting it as necessary to reflect local circumstances. Our goal is to achieve a uniform standard of safety excellence globally.
**Interviewer:** what message do you hope to convey to your employees with the launch of this program?
**Claude Schimper:** I want our employees to know that their safety and development are our top priorities. This program reflects our investment in them as individuals and professionals. We want them to feel supported, valued, and confident in their ability to contribute to a safe work environment.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Claude, for sharing your insights. It sounds like Kinross Gold is on a promising path toward enhancing safety and development.
**Claude Schimper:** Thank you! We’re excited for what lies ahead and are committed to making positive strides in both safety and employee engagement.
