Editor's Note: The 2026 class of America's Safety Companies will be recognized Tuesday, September 22, during a live webinar beginning at 2:00 PM (EDT). More information about the webinar can be found at the registration site for How to Create and Sustain a World-Class Safety Culture: Insights from America's Safest Companies of 2026.

Greenfield Global USA Inc.

Chemical Packaging

Brookfield, CT

199 employees | 2 sites | 3 EHS professionals

Most companies would be very concerned if annual reporting on safety issues rose from 80 events to 132. But that’s what happened at Greenfield Global between 2024 and 2025.

“This rise in reporting is not a cause for concern but rather celebration,” points out Christa Morphew, corporate EH&S director of the company, which produces high-purity alcohols, specialty solvents and sustainable biofuels. “It demonstrates that employees feel genuinely safe, trusted and empowered to speak up, which is the hallmark of a thriving safety culture. These results reflect the power of intentional leadership, employee engagement and unwavering commitment to continuous improvement.”

The company is so committed to transparency that it has a Whistleblower Policy. Formalized in 2024, it “strengthens our culture of transparency and accountability by ensuring employees can report actual or potential misconduct confidentially and without fear of reprisal,” explains Morphew.

This transparency extends to suppliers and customers. When incidents occur, the company issues Early Information Alerts to all global locations immediately. Once a formal root cause analysis is completed, it is shared with customers and suppliers. “This level of transparency reflects our belief that safety is an industry-wide responsibility, not a competitive advantage,” says Morphew.

As an employee, knowing that your opinion matters is part of an overall philosophy of being inclusive and psychologically safe. As proof of inclusion, the company notes that its employee engagement score has grown from 45 in 2024 to 54 in 2025, with an 88% participation rate, consistently ranking 76% above the industry benchmark. “This shows people genuinely feel connected and valued,” notes Morphew.

Engagement takes a variety of forms, including participating in EHS committees, risk assessments, procedure development, audits and self-assessments. Daily toolbox talks and EHS moments foster open safety dialogue at every level, from the frontline through to senior leadership and the board of directors.

“When employees feel respected, valued and heard, regardless of their background, role, or level of experience, they are more likely to speak up about hazards, report near misses, and actively participate in safety programs,” says Morphew. “This connection between belonging and safety is not incidental; it is intentional and central to our people-first culture.”

The company links its safety success directly with employee support. “At Greenfield, we will never be satisfied with good enough, because our people deserve better than good enough,” says Morphew.