At FrieslandCampina, safety is the foundation of everything we do. For Jacomien, this means working every day to create an environment where risks are recognised and addressed together with the people on the shop floor.
After a career spanning several roles and locations within FrieslandCampina, Jacomien took on the position of HSE Manager in Noordwijk in October 2024. With a background in food technology and qualifications as both a mid-level and senior safety professional, she brings together strong theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. For her, FrieslandCampina feels like coming home: “Things are well organised here, and people really listen to what you have to say.
Together with colleagues from operations and technical services, Jacomien walks the production line during risk assessments. “We discuss the tasks that are carried out every day to package a great product, but also the risks we are exposed to on a daily basis.” These conversations are crucial in identifying where things can go wrong. “You might hear someone say they open a door for cleaning because it’s ‘safe anyway’. Then technical services will say: ‘There’s an interlock, so nothing can happen.’ But when I ask how often that interlock is tested, it often goes quiet.” These are the moments where awareness really starts to grow. “It’s only when you take the time to reflect together that people realise how risky something can actually be.”
For Jacomien, safety is not just about rules; it’s about awareness. “We either work safely, or we don’t work at all.” Understanding why something matters is key. “When you take people along in the thinking behind safe working, you see a real shift,” she says. “In the long run, you achieve much more: people become more aware, take ownership and start thinking along themselves.” This shared responsibility aligns perfectly with FrieslandCampina’s safety slogan: “Take Care, Stay Safe.”
Titlu
Learning, improving and growing together
No two days are the same. Jacomien analyses reports and incidents and works closely with production teams and management. “One day it’s about slippery floors, the next there’s a risk hidden in something very ordinary or an environmental issue. That’s when it’s important to act proactively and make sure the issue is resolved.” For her, the true impact lies not in reports, but in awareness on the shop floor.
In addition, Jacomien works closely with the municipality, the water authority and regulatory authorities to further improve wastewater management in Noordwijk. “That collaboration is incredibly valuable. You learn from one another and really see what is possible when you work together.”Within FrieslandCampina, there is ample opportunity to learn from each other as well. (Near-miss) incidents are openly discussed, and knowledge is shared across locations. “You can’t know everything yourself,” Jacomien explains. “That’s why it’s so valuable to work with colleagues who complement one another.”With years of experience in Health, Safety & Environment, Jacomien is certain of one thing: “It’s about doing things together and wanting to grow together. If you lose sight of that, you lose half the value.” That conviction lies at the heart of her work: safety and growth go hand in hand, says Jacomien.