Eyes Glued to Safety: the Career Journey of Dik Goudappel

27 years of a career journey moving from one department to another has taught him a lot about glue (which he says is just like bread, a matter of balancing!) and the secret ingredient to safety: an honest environment, where everyone respects each other and trusts them to do their work. Read more for his take on this crucial part of our Group and for discovering the true source of his pride (spoiler: they don’t work in Bolton – at least for now).

Could you explain what you do in a nutshell?

Basically, my colleagues and I are responsible for the safety within the production plant distribution center in Goes, the Netherlands. Honestly, we do a lot of things: we investigate incidents, whether something happened to people or with machines. We usually get a report, and then we investigate. The transport of dangerous goods is my department's specific responsibility. I have to check and make sure that everything is correctly done and that we are compliant with the law at all times.

Do technology and innovation play a role in your operations?

Of course! Actually,  the Bolton Adhesives division is currently exploring how we can apply the latest technologies in our processes in a way that ensures that quality and safety remain guaranteed. In our department, we are continuously working to enhance the safety of our colleagues, which means that we try to implement smaller innovations to machines that our department examines for safety, while never forgetting to look at the bigger picture and make more significant changes. 

What future trends do you foresee in the field of operational safety, and how is Bolton preparing for these changes?

Employee safety is not a trend, at least not to Bolton! After all, everyone wants to return home healthy at the end of the workday! Everyone is constantly working very hard to minimise exposure to hazardous substances and replace them with less dangerous alternatives. Additionally, steps are being taken to improve ergonomics and working conditions; for example, we have recently installed a new case-packer, which automates repetitive tasks!

I feel like we have a good safety culture, but that’s no reason to settle; we must aim to improve even further. Implementing this culture isn't easy because it requires customization within our working conditions and cannot simply be achieved with general solutions. Fortunately, everyone at Bolton shares the same mindset: “First safe, then good, and then fast.”

I hope the next generation of safety professionals will continue initiating conversations to implement these regulations. To them, I say: always keep the people you're working for as your focus and strive to make the world a bit safer alongside them!

Did you happen to start in the safety sector by chance, or was it a conscious choice?

It wasn't entirely a conscious choice, but it wasn't entirely by chance either!  I got my prevention worker diploma three years ago to gain more knowledge when discussing safety issues encountered on the shop floor with the Safety department, and over time, the department itself really appreciated my growing involvement, and about 1.5 years ago, they invited me to focus full-time on shop floor safety. I gladly accepted the offer and pursued an Operational Safety course. Besides my role as an operational safety specialist, I am now one of the two ADR safety advisors within the organization and also the head of the Emergency Response Team, which connects all my activities to safety in some way.

I look back at my career in Bolton with great satisfaction: I started 27 years ago as a temporary worker on the tube packing line, and look at me now! I’m especially proud of focusing on improving shop floor safety by engaging in conversations with Boltonians and using my knowledge and background to understand the issues they raised. Here, there’s always been room for growth and improvement, both as a colleague and a person.

What brings you the most pride?

I participate in first aid teams at festivals, sports events, and gatherings. It’s important and also fun!

But if I’m being honest, four years ago, I was blessed with a wonderful grandson. He brings me so much joy and happiness, especially on regular babysitting days.

My true duty is to spoil him!