Exemplary commitment: Mercer Timber Products nominated for the German Occupational Safety Award 2025

Mercer Timber Products (MTP) in Friesau, Germany, has been nominated for the German Occupational Safety and Health Award 2025. Along with two other companies, the large sawmill is among the nominees in the “Culture” category for its “Road to Zero” concept. This in itself is a recognition of the company’s ongoing commitment to the safety and health of its employees.

“Road to Zero” – The path to zero accidents

At Mercer International, the safety and health of our employees is our top priority. “Road to Zero” is more than just a slogan – it is a principle deeply rooted in our corporate culture. The goal: zero accidents at all locations. This program has been implemented at MTP since 2017 and is constantly being developed, which is reflected in the significant decline in the number of accidents. As one of the largest industrial sawmills, Mercer Timber Products is breaking new ground.

Nomination for the German Occupational Safety Award – a significant recognition

The German Occupational Safety Award is a joint project of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), the State Committee for Occupational Safety and Safety Engineering (LASI) and the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) and recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of occupational safety. After reviewing the application presentation in June 2024, a high-profile jury visited the Friesau sawmill in mid-November 2024 and conducted an intensive audit. The subsequent nomination for this award in December 2024 was a great honor and recognition of Mercer Timber Products’ efforts to ensure the safety and health of its employees. It confirms that the company is implementing far more than the legal requirements with its “Road to Zero” program.

Focus on employees

This external confirmation is a great success for the 450-strong team in Friesau! Each individual contributes to creating a safe and healthy working environment with their commitment and sense of responsibility, thus helping to prevent accidents and injuries.

The ‘Road to Zero’ program includes various standards for improving safety. These include, among other things, clear guidelines for reporting and investigating incidents, the definition of roles and responsibilities, and the work permit procedure for high-risk activities. An important component is the risk assessment, which includes a last-minute risk analysis by the employees themselves.

Another important component is the extensive communication about safety at the plant. Every week, the “Weekly Safety Report” is used to share current topics in team meetings to raise employees’ safety awareness. In addition, all meetings and staff assemblies at MTP always begin with a short “Safety Moment” that highlights the seriousness of the topic of occupational safety.

Various posters, banners, signs and elaborate graffiti art show all team members, partner companies and visitors to the plant: safety is our top priority! Last but not least, MTP also provides continuous training for employees, regular management training, health promotion and emergency management.