Kimberly-Clark Exec Recognized as Safety Leader

Ivan Maldonado, environmental health and safety leader in the Kimberly-Clark Global Health Care Business, was recognized by the National Safety Council (NSC) as one of the 2012 '40 Under 40' Rising Stars of Safety. The award recognizes up-and-coming safety professionals younger than 40, who have a track record of demonstrating leadership, innovation and involvement in their organization's safety culture, while promoting continuous safety improvement in the workplace.

 

"Mr. Maldonado has played a key role in transforming the safety culture at Kimberly-Clark across multiple continents," says Gregg Clark, global occupational safety & hygiene director, Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

 

As part of the Global Occupational Safety & Hygiene Team, Maldonado oversees environmental health and safety initiatives for nearly 22,000 Kimberly-Clark employees in 25 facilities across the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Thailand.

 

In 2010, Maldonado was responsible for the launch of a new EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) management system which empowers floor workers to lead hazard identification and problem resolution initiatives. Supplementing this, he led a renewed focus on reducing sentinel events—incidents that could cause fatalities or serious harm. Every Kimberly-Clark Health Care facility has now implemented his recommendations and all employees receive training on fatality elimination, aligning with the company's occupational health and safety policy.

 

Maldonado also helped implement the Kimberly-Clark program, "Who's Counting on You," which engages workers on an emotional level by connecting their work life with their home life. Employees are encouraged to post pictures of their family members and other visuals to constantly reinforce the rationale behind their commitment to safety.

 

Maldonado will be honored for his work at the NSC's 2012 Congress & Expo in Orlando, Florida in October.