BLOGPUNKT
June 2026
With Lydia Nieuwenhuis, Ipsen Director of Human Resources
and Geoffrey Somary, CEO of Ipsen Group & Ipsen Inc.
How Employee Well-being Supports a Safer Workplace
When people think about workplace safety, they often think about personal protective equipment (PPE), safety procedures, and training. Those elements are essential, but are only part of the equation.
June marks both National Safety Month and National Professional Wellness Month, offering an opportunity to recognize an important truth: safety and wellness go hand in hand.
Employee well-being can directly impact decision-making, reaction time, concentration, and physical performance. Fatigue, stress, illness, and discomfort can increase the risk of mistakes. Healthy, well-supported employees are better equipped to identify hazards, communicate effectively, and work safely around equipment and machinery.
At Ipsen, safety is an ongoing commitment supported by employees, managers, leadership, and dedicated safety partners. Whether employees are working in the shop, the office, or out in the field, maintaining a safe workplace starts with promoting an environment where employees are able to bring their best selves to work each day.
“Safety and wellness go hand in hand. When people are healthy, rested, and supported, they are more alert, more focused, and less likely to be injured.”
– Lydia Nieuwenhuis, Ipsen Director of Human Resources
A Strong Safety Culture Matters
At Ipsen, safety is a shared responsibility and a core part of our culture. Building industrial furnaces involves fabrication, welding, electrical work, assembly, material handling, and testing – activities that require focus, awareness, and attention to detail. Ipsen provides employees with a variety of resources designed to support both safety and well-being in a manufacturing environment. These include:
- Regular safety training programs
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Reimbursement for prescription safety glasses and safety shoes
- Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Comprehensive medical and benefit offerings
Ipsen also partners with third-party specialists to strengthen its safety programs. SMT provides workplace safety training, guidance, and consulting services, while Axiom supports injury case management by helping employees evaluate non-life-threatening workplace injuries and providing follow-up support throughout the recovery process when needed. These resources are designed to help employees stay safe, healthy, and supported both on and off the job.
Supporting Work-Life Balance
Wellness extends beyond physical safety. Ipsen promotes employee well-being by encouraging reasonable workloads, offering flexibility where possible, fostering a collaborative and respectful workplace culture, encouraging employees to utilize paid time off, and providing access to confidential mental health resources through the Employee Assistance Program. This reflects a growing understanding that supporting mental
well-being is not separate from workplace safety; it is an essential part of it.
“Mental health issues are real and should not be ignored. Please make your personal health a top priority. If you’re struggling, take action. You deserve to feel better.”
– Geoffrey Somary, CEO of Ipsen Group & Ipsen Inc.
What Employees Can Do
Creating a safe and healthy workplace requires participation from everyone. Employees can help by:
- Using PPE and following all safety procedures
- Reporting hazards and concerns immediately
- Staying hydrated, stretching, and taking breaks when needed
- Asking for assistance with heavy or awkward tasks
- Utilizing wellness and mental health resources when support is needed
Small actions can make a significant difference in preventing injuries and promoting long-term well-being.
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
“I am proud of the renewed commitment to safety across the entire company over the past two years,” said Nieuwenhuis. “This includes the strong efforts of our safety committees, our partnership with SMT and Axiom, the support and engagement from leadership, and the individual commitment our employees demonstrate every single day.”
That commitment extends beyond Ipsen’s facilities.
“When our employees are safe and healthy, they produce higher quality products, keep our operations running smoothly, and reinforce Ipsen’s reputation for reliability,” she explains. “Ensuring our people go home healthy every day benefits not only our customers, but also the communities where we live and work.”
As Ipsen recognizes National Safety Month and National Professional Wellness Month, the message is simple: safety starts with wellness. By supporting the health, well-being, and success of our employees, we create a stronger workplace, better serve our customers, and build a safer future for everyone.