Every company with more than 50 employees needs to implement an Internal Accident Prevention Commission, better known as Cipa. Its purpose, as its name suggests, is to prevent work-related accidents an illnesses.

It can be said that Cipa's role is to assist the Specialized Safety Engineering and Occupational Medicine Service (SESMT), helping to protect the physical integrity of employees within the company.

How to build a Cipa

Cipa is made up of appointed and elected employees. The number of participants is determined by law according to the number of employees each company has.

At Reafrio, six employees integrate the committee. Called "Cipeiros", three of these professionals were nominated by the company and the other half were elected by co-workers.

After being appointed, the "Cipeiros" undergo a three-day training, totaling 24 hours/class, in which they are prepared to take office and to identify a negligent situation in the workplace that could endanger the lives of employees.

Cipa elections are held annually, and the same board may be reelected only once. Reafrio's first Cipa was established in May 2012 and since then seven more elections have been held.

Main achievements achieved by the commission

Over the years, Cipa has brought many benefits to Reafrio employees. Here are some achievements of the last management:

• Restoration of yellow safety bands throughout the production sector;
• NR35 and NR33 normative training;
• Purchase of equipment for confined space work;
• Purchase water filter plugged straight into the tap;

According to Cipa's chairman for management 2019/2020, Denise Heineck, the highlight of every year is the holding of the Internal Accident Prevention Week (Sipat), to raise employee awareness and strengthen safety in work processes.
 
"Within Reafrio, Cipa is not only intended to prevent accidents and work-related illnesses but is also one of the important work fronts the company has. Participating in Cipa represents the opportunity to contribute to the company's growth and professional development," emphasizes Denise. 

According to her, the objective of her management is to continue and improve the work that was being done by the members of the previous commission.