At Dutchland Foods, we believe that nothing matters more than ensuring our team members go home safe at the end of every day. That commitment comes to life through the work of Dan, our Plant Safety Manager, who brings both experience and passion to the job. We recently sat down with him to learn more about his background, daily responsibilities, and what motivates him to keep safety at the forefront.
Before joining Dutchland Foods, Dan worked in safety roles at several other companies, with much of his background rooted in metal manufacturing. While that may sound like a very different industry, Dan explains that many of the principles of plant safety remain the same across industries: staying alert, ensuring equipment is safe, and making training a priority.
Ask Dan what a typical day looks like, and his answer is simple: there isn’t one. “That’s one of the things I like most about this role — you never know how the day will go,” he shares. If an accident happens, that takes top priority. On other days, you might find him leading safety committee meetings, conducting training sessions, or performing inspections.
From checking that fire extinguishers are charged and emergency lights are working, to ensuring first aid kits are fully stocked, Dan’s daily responsibilities are wide-ranging. His role also includes managing workers’ comp claims and inspecting new machinery — whether purchased or built in-house — to make sure it meets safety standards before use.
One of the biggest misconceptions about plant safety, Dan explains, is that training isn’t that important. In reality, “Training is HUGE in order to minimize chaos in emergency situations.” Dutchland Foods invests heavily in training so that when emergencies arise, employees know exactly what to do.
Sometimes even small safety changes can have a major effect. For example, when Dutchland Foods updated its policy to provide employees with dedicated shoes, slip-and-fall incidents dropped dramatically. It’s proof that thoughtful procedures make a real difference.
As both the Plant Safety Manager and Sanitation Manager, Dan admits that time management is one of his biggest challenges. “I just try my best to get things done in the time I have,” he says. Staying organized and focusing on priorities helps him keep both roles running smoothly.
To keep up with evolving regulations and best practices, Dan works closely with Dutchland’s workers’ comp insurance provider, which provides ongoing updates and resources.
For anyone just starting at Dutchland Foods, Dan’s message is clear: “Safety is super important and should never be sacrificed. Play it safe and go home the same way you arrived.”
At the end of the day, what’s most rewarding for Dan is simple: “Just knowing that I am doing the best I can to keep everyone safe.”
Outside of the plant, you might catch Dan on stage at a karaoke night. “I’m not great, but I have fun with it,” he laughs.
Safety may not always be glamorous, but it’s the foundation of everything we do at Dutchland Foods. Thanks to the dedication of Dan and his commitment to keeping our workplace safe, we’re not just producing high-quality food — we’re also ensuring a secure and supportive environment for everyone on our team.
