At BiOrigin Specialty Products, safety isn’t just a checklist; it’s a core value that shapes how we operate every day. That commitment came into sharp focus this summer as our Wiggins, Mississippi mill celebrated a significant milestone: 500 consecutive days without a single recordable safety incident. 

“A recordable injury is any injury that requires more than basic first aid like stitches or restricted work duties,” explained Jeff Braunwart, Director of Safety. “So, 500 days without one is a major achievement. It reflects a culture where safety is prioritized, practiced, and taken personally by everyone at the mill.” 

A Culture Shift That Paid Off 

This accomplishment didn’t happen by accident. Over the past year, the Wiggins team has leaned into safety with renewed focus, from top leadership to the production floor. Braunwart noted that one of the biggest shifts has been how frequently and intentionally safety is talked about. “It’s part of every meeting. There’s greater employee involvement, more knowledge-sharing, and more comfort speaking up when something doesn’t seem right.” 

That culture of accountability and proactive communication has only grown with the arrival of Grady Holder, who joined Wiggins in May as Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager. 

“We’ve kept safety front and center with regular training, PPE reminders, and posters about heat stress and hydration. Our 12-person safety committee includes team members from every shift. Their involvement and accountability have been key,” Holder said. “We also have a 12-person safety committee with representatives from every shift. Their involvement and leadership have been crucial.” 

Importantly, the safety culture extends to all levels of experience. “I’ve been especially impressed with the way operators at every level, whether they’ve been here 20 days or 20 years, are speaking up and working together to keep each other safe.” Holder added. 

A Company-Wide Commitment 

The Wiggins milestone is one example of how safety is deeply embedded into our broader company culture. In April, our East Hartford, Connecticut mill reached six months without an incident—a strong reflection of that same proactive mindset and commitment across teams. 

Whether it’s a half-year milestone or a 500-day streak, we recognize that every day without a recordable injury means our people are returning home safely to their families and that’s what matters most. 

“From senior leadership and everyone on the ground, there’s been a top-down commitment, and that’s made all the difference. We’re building a culture where safety is part of who we are,” Braunwart said. “But it’s the buy-in from employees at every level that turns that commitment into results.” 

Safety Is More Than a Statistic 

At BSP, we know that safety isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s a continuous process of learning, improving, and engaging. As we grow, so does our dedication to building environments where safety is second nature. 

From implementing OSHA-aligned systems to piloting new training sessions and reinforcing real-time accountability, we’re constantly refining how we protect our people. Because in the end, safety is not just about meeting standards, it’s about living our values.