In the pulp, paper, packaging, tissue, and converting industries, contractor qualification isn’t just a procedural step, it’s a life-saving measure. That was the resounding message from a recent PPSA and TAPPISAFE webinar, where industry veterans and safety leaders explored how structured qualification processes can reduce risk, improve efficiency, and strengthen trust across mill sites.

 

 

“Think about this: 391 people in the manufacturing sector didn’t return home in 2023,” said Leslie Petrie, retired Vice President of EHS at International Paper. “No one goes to work expecting that outcome. Our job is to make sure it never happens.”

 

The numbers tell a sobering story. According to data from the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA), member companies report an average of six fatalities annually. OSHA’s 2023 figures show 391 fatalities in manufacturing, a sector that includes pulp and paper. These statistics underscore why qualification is more than paperwork; it’s the first line of defense against tragedy.

 

 

Polling during the webinar revealed a mixed landscape:

The challenges are clear. When asked about their biggest hurdles:

These gaps create vulnerabilities that can lead to delays, inefficiencies, and, most critically, safety incidents.

 

 

Reggie Epps, Safety Director at Universal Blastco, shared a candid look at his company’s evolution: “In the past, everything was manual, insurance reviews, compliance checks, onboarding. It was slow and left us vulnerable. We even had insurance issues because no one could interpret certificate language correctly. Moving to an automated system changed everything. Now we have real-time visibility and confidence that contractors are qualified before they arrive.”

 

 

Panelists agreed that success starts with a structured system and clear communication. Christina Dugue of Alliance Safety Council emphasized consistency: “Expectations can vary site by site. The key is aligning safety, operations, and procurement teams and maintaining transparent communication with contractors. A strong platform helps manage those expectations and reduces human error.”

 

Digital tools like TAPPISAFE’s Contractor Qualification (CQ) database are leading this transformation. Features such as centralized records, variance management, expiration alerts, and 24-48-hour turnaround times simplify compliance and reduce administrative burden. “It’s intuitive and fast,” Dugue noted. “And the accessible support makes all the difference.”

 

 

Technology alone isn’t enough. Leadership engagement is critical to reinforcing safety as a shared value. Petrie reminded attendees: “Qualification is the first step, but it’s part of a broader contractor safety program: pre-job task analysis, clear roles, ongoing communication. It’s about setting people up for success.”

 

 

The final webinar poll revealed that 57% of attendees consider contractor qualification a top priority, while 40% admit it’s important but inconsistent. This gap represents an opportunity for the industry to adopt standardized practices and leverage digital solutions that make qualification faster, easier, and more reliable.

 

As Epps put it: “Moving to CQ changed our world drastically. We don’t even think about compliance now. It’s handled before contractors arrive. That peace of mind is priceless.”

 

Bottom Line: Investing in robust qualification processes protects people, projects, and profits. In an industry where safety is non-negotiable, contractor qualification isn’t just good practice, it’s essential.

 

TAPPISAFE is a web-based safety orientation and contractor verification program that enables your workforce to complete industry-specific training online, ensuring they arrive at the job site ready for gate entry.  Learn more at tappisafe.org.