Environmental Policy
Environmental, Health & Safety Policy
AKA depends on the physical and mental well being of its employees. We have created - and work hard to maintain - a positive and dynamic work environment. We actively encourage career development, foster diversity and inclusion, stress safety and overall wellness, and provide benefits and support.
As a marine and industrial engineering firm, we accept responsibility for environmental stewardship and renewal.
Travel Preparedness
The safety of our employees and contractors when deployed oversees is our top priority. There are numerous ways we help to ensure their health and safety during their travels.
- Provide travel health advisories from Foreign Affairs (Canada)
- Provide contacts in the area
- Advise on required inoculations
- Provide contacts for acquiring international travel health insurance (contractors)
- Assist with passport renewals
- Obtain required visas
- Arrange all travel and accommodation to ensure safe and approved service providers
- Debrief employees and contractors on their destination if this is their first visit there
- Provide Blackberries with full functionality in the applicable region
On Site Safety
Whether in an office, plant or field location, the safety of our personnel, our clients and our equipment is paramount. To this end, we are currently developing a comprehensive Health & Safety Programme which will include policies and procedures, training matrix, general awareness, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
Environmental Policy and Initiatives
AKA recognizes its responsibility to protect the environment for present and future generations. To this end, we are guided by the following principals:
- To respect the demands of the law and regulations and any other requirements applicable;
- To support the sustainability of natural resources;
- To manage waste responsibly and effectively;
- To evaluate and prevent environmental risks;
- To consider prevention of pollution in our manufacturing processes and product development;
- To check our environmental performance periodically and to communicate the results;
- To collaborate with the community.
AKA has recently established an Environmental Footprint committee which is examining all corporate practices with the intention of identifying, implementing and educating around practical and pro-active ways and means of reducing our corporate footprint on the environment.
Our Product and Services
AKA has taken a lead role in designing environmentally friendly technologies for the marine engineering sector. Our systems for the offshore drilling industry are designed to improve the reliability of drilling operations, reducing the risk of pollution. With partner Foss Marine, we are currently building the propulsion system for the world’s first hybrid tugboats.
In Our Offices
AKA has implemented an aggressive recycling program within our offices. Plastic, glass, cardboard and paper are routinely and persistently recycled. Printer/copier cartridges are regularly returned to recycling depots.
The majority of our daily correspondence is created, stored and shared digitally. We seldom send correspondence or corporate documents by fax or mail, significantly reducing not only paper usage, postage and shipping charges but also the resources consumed by transporting (air or ground). When required to send hard copies of documentation, we print and send only what is needed, keeping extra copies to an absolute minimum.
A significant aspect of our business is the creation of documentation for our clients. In most cases, hardcopies of these documentation sets are required. When in production, we strive to keep photocopying to a minimum by ensuring the originals are thoroughly reviewed for accuracy prior to printing and by creating only the number of copies actually required. In most instances, printing is double-sided to reduce resource consumption.
Our Headquarters
With large windows facing three different directions, AKA’s open concept head office design takes advantage of passive solar heating during the day.
The window frames have been aluminum clad and caulked to eliminate heat loss.
The air conditioning and heating units have been either upgraded or replaced and the ducting reconfigured to more efficiently and economically heat/cool the building.
All lights are turned off when the building is not being used.
The many live plants throughout the building filter and enhance air quality as well as create a more relaxed, pleasing environment in which to work.
Ergonomics
Our employees spend a considerable amount of time at their workstations. In order to reduce the risk of ergonomic hazards, AKA ensures the following:
- high quality adjustable chairs
- well planned workstations
- adjustable footrests
- wrist supports
- raised work surfaces for tasks completed while standing (e.g. collating, proofing)
- individual lighting