From the moment an associate joins our team, we are committed to creating an environment where they feel prepared, supported, and confident in the work they do.
"Safety is fundamental to our business success," says Heather Frederick, Americold’s Director of Safety and Health in North America.
By protecting our associates and maintaining a safe work environment, we improve operational efficiency, strengthen our operations, and ensure we consistently deliver for our customers while sending every associate home safely each day.
And that commitment holds true across every part of our business.
To us, safety is about people:
"A strong safety culture shows up in everyday actions," says Rick Stevens, VP of Risk Control & Food Safety at Americold.
It’s where associates take ownership of their own safety and look out for one another, actively ensuring a safe work environment for everyone.
This culture of accountability and care helps create an environment where associates are empowered to share ideas, raise concerns, and contribute to continuous improvement.
Because the safest workplaces are built together.
Starting a new role should never mean figuring things out on your own.
Every new associate at Americold receives comprehensive safety training that begins with new hire safety orientation and continues through hands-on instruction, monthly learning opportunities, and ongoing reinforcement from leaders and peers.
"Our approach blends formal training with practical experience," Heather explains. "Associates receive safety fundamentals along with task-specific training before performing work independently."
Whether operating equipment, working in temperature-controlled environments, or learning site-specific procedures, associates are given the tools and support they need to work safely and confidently.
The goal is to make sure every associate feels prepared before taking on new responsibilities.
Working in cold storage is a unique experience, and we understand candidates may have questions about what that means.
Americold provides associates with the protective equipment, cold-weather apparel, training, and resources needed to work comfortably and safely. From specialized outerwear and gloves to ongoing education about hydration, cold-weather awareness, and workplace best practices, safety is integrated into every aspect of the environment.
Just as importantly, our teams are trained to recognize potential risks and proactively address them before they become problems.
While safety is a year-round commitment, June gives us an opportunity to celebrate and reinforce it across our global network through Safety Month.
Each week focuses on a different aspect of safety:
Week 1: Human Safety
Week 2: Refrigeration Safety
Week 3: Vehicle Safety
Week 4: Food Safety
Throughout the month, sites host activities that make safety engaging, practical, and personal. Teams participate in safety walks, hazard recognition challenges, wellness conversations, inspections, and interactive learning opportunities.
One particularly meaningful activity is the "Why I Work Safe" wall, where associates share photos of family members, pets, hobbies, and personal motivations.
It is about the people waiting for us at home and our teammates working beside us every day.