Chris England
Nominated for: 30 Over 30 Award
Title: EHS&S Director - PMA North America
Company: Imerys
Years in Profession: 20+
Nominator: Fallon Pratt, Regional EHS Manager, Imerys, direct report of Chris.
Tell us why this person deserves recognition for making a difference in the practice of EHS & Sustainability management. (500 words max.)*
Chris is a visionary leader that isn’t afraid to think outside the box. He is always challenging his team to improve ourselves so that we can better serve our employees at all levels and sites. Chris has driven change within the organization at Imerys by working with the teams to increase standards across the facilities and unite the various plants to improve EHS&S in a methodical and sustainable way. A few examples of programs and philosophies that have been brought to Imerys since Chris started including the implementation of Human and Organization Principles to Imerys. It has changed how EHS&S interacts and reacts to incidents at the sites. He has also led efforts to standardize programs and procedures, implementation of Red Online, Avetta for contractor management and the use of Enablon for tracking of proactive KPI’s to improve overall performance. Another program that was started since Chris came to Imerys has been the Electrical Safety program. Chris has continually supported, guided, and removed roadblocks to the implementation of an effective Electrical Safety Program within Imerys Performance Minerals America - North America. We have gone from a sporadic approach site by site to an effective electrical safety program across all plants within the division. Without his continual support and encouragement with upper management this would not have been possible.
Describe a situation or initiative where the nominee was directly responsible for a significant achievement and/or advancement in the practice of EHS & Sustainability management. Include metrics and KPIs if available. (500 words max.)*
Chris was instrumental during the management of Covid and working to maintain operations across the company. During this period, Imerys implemented a contact tracing program and then Imerys Performance Minerals America–North American Division won the industrial minerals award for introducing contact-tracing technology to manage physical distancing and track exposures to COVID-19 at our worksites. Imerys provided wearable contact-tracing badges to all personnel and used the data collected to improve physical distancing measures and to add exposure controls. These measures delivered additional capacity to contain the potential spread of COVID-19.
Imerys’ Vice President & General Manager of Polymers and Coatings, Doug Smith, accepted the award, presented during the Industrial Mineral Association Meeting. “We are proud of our EHS and Operations team to receive such an award from the US Federal Agency, National Institute of Occupational Safety. The fact that NIOSH has chosen Imerys' PMA as a key winner in the Industrial Minerals space is a great example of how our EHS and Operations team were able to work with external partners and develop an innovative solution to combat the spread of COVID-19 across our sites”.
The NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award recognizes mines and companies that have made an extraordinary effort to apply technology or improve processes in innovative ways, above and beyond mandatory requirements, to improve mine worker safety and health. “This year's awards attest to the mining industry's ability to innovate in response to immediate, global challenges, while continuing to develop industry-specific health and safety solutions,” said NIOSH Associate Director for Mining Dr. Jessica Kogel. This is just one great example of an achievement that would not have been possible without Chris’ support, guidance and direction.
In your opinion, what are the predominant skills and attributes that directly contribute to the nominee’s effectiveness and success? (500 words max.)*
Chris has brought a range of management skills and cutting edge knowledge that has transformed how EHS is approached within the company. Chris is able to interact with all levels of the organization and he has the ability to make sure that everyone is an important part of the team. He focuses on changing behaviors and positive influence to create a collaborative environment which is not always the case in EHS. He brings a great deal of empathy to his team and Imerys employees that has created an environment where people are willing to speak up.
Share the ways this nominee has positively influenced you, both personally and professionally. You may also include reflections and quotes from others including executives, direct reports, colleagues, suppliers, and clients. (500 words max.)*
Below are a few quotes regarding Chris’ leadership and skills at effectively implementing his ideas from various employees at Imerys:
“I’m a 30 year veteran in EHS. Since Chris has joined Imerys, he has invigorated me in the EHS field. I love coming to work everyday and working with Chris. He is always striving to improve our EHS&S system and I am thankful I’m part of his team.” EHS Regional Manager, Grayson Upton; direct report.
For the Vice President of Filtration & Life Sciences at PMA, Amanda Glaser, the team has shown how resilient they can be. “Our team took to heart the Imerys and CDC protocols to limit impact. The safety of our employees has been and continues to be our top priority. I have been incredibly proud of our team's ability to find ways to get their jobs done in ways that minimize exposure risk for themselves and others.” Executive
Doug Smith also highlighted the work of strengthening our communication processes across the sites: “These efforts helped our teams adjust operating procedures and protocols to protect our employees, contractors, their families, and the local communities in which they live. It is very exciting to be part of an organization that has been able to rise to the many challenges the pandemic has posed to the business. Our teams have shown an ability to adjust quickly to ensure that we operate safely while continuing to service our customers.” Executive.
Provide one or more examples of nominee’s commitment to environmental stewardship within their organization and/or the community. (500 words max.)*
Chris has been a huge supporter of our Biodiversity program. He has been specifically involved in community outreach and education programs at one of our sites. He has helped leadership and the organization understand the importance of the site's efforts to improve biodiversity. He has recognized the individuals that are leading the way and all sites are now familiar with what biodiversity means due to Chris’ efforts. He has also led the charge on environmental stewardship and sustainability. Since starting Chris has advocated for an increased focus on these areas and this year he was able to get approval from leadership to hire a sustainability manager, solely dedicated to this topic.