Advancing Safety, Quality, and Compliance: Q&A with Ja-Rel T. Jones
Safe, compliant manufacturing is the result of strong systems, engaged teams, and a commitment to continuous improvement. At JHS, cross-functional teams work together to create an environment that supports operational excellence and reliable manufacturing performance. In this Q&A, Ja-Rel T. Jones, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist, shares how EHS initiatives help strengthen quality and compliance while providing insights into his own professional journey.
What drew you to working in EHS?
There is always something new. EHS is a dynamic field that is constantly evolving and discovering new, improved, and safer ways to perform tasks that further protect employees and the environment. I am motivated by the ability to contribute to these initiatives.
Both quality and EHS teams share a focus on compliance, risk reduction, and continuous improvement strategies. Can you explain at a high level how our EHS and quality teams work together to achieve those goals?
EHS and Quality are two sides of the same coin from collaborating on the floor during audits and inspections to ensure our programs are effective, while also collaborating on projects within our programs to simultaneously address potential EHS and Quality issues identified during those inspections.
How has our EHS program evolved to grow alongside our facility expansion?
First, we hired additional talent to improve EHS engagement and integration which we supported through the EHS Partner and Great Catch initiatives. These initiatives improved communication and accessibility with EHS allowing a direct line of contact so we can assist in addressing challenges that come with such an expansion.
How does your work ultimately support the reliable delivery of safe and effective medicines for patients?
I contribute to creating a safe and controlled work environment, by assisting in Root Cause Analysis and facilitating Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) which mitigate the risk of incidents and operation disruptions which promotes JHS employees to work with confidence to deliver our medicine to patients.
What is your favorite part about working at JHS?
My favorite aspect of working at JHS is the collaborative and driven team environment. I have the great opportunity to work with cross-functional teams that are committed to continuous improvement of the EHS & Quality programs at JHS.
What’s one safety habit everyone should adopt, whether at work or at home?
Doing things right the first time! Completing every step of a task, especially those that may seem “minor” or “extra,” is essential to achieving the best results. There are no short cuts.
