Lafarge Canada heeds safety directive in switch to 44-lb. cement bag

Sources: Lafarge Canada, Calgary; CP staff

Recognizing the Canadian Center for Occupational Health & Safety-recommended, 23-kilogram (50-lb.) threshold for objects workers regularly handle, Lafarge Canada has introduced a 20-kilogram (44-lb.) alternative to the traditional 40-kilogram (88-lb.) cement bag.

“We recognize that people seriously injure their backs when repeatedly lifting heavy items both at home and work,” notes Lafarge Western Canada’s Bob Cooper, president–Cement. “Lafarge is proud to lead the bagged cement market by putting health and safety as a first priority.”

Branded the Backsaver Bag, the 20-kg. offering follows a broader packaged good trend aimed at ease of transport and use, he adds, the weight becoming a standard unit for products from stones to flour. Lumberyards and home improvement stores across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba will begin stocking the product this month.