Achievement Award
2024
Smurfit Westrock Yakima Container Plant
Safety Innovation Summary:
Following a HOP learning event, the team identified the need for an effective and user-friendly guard for the slitter scorer blades. The goal was to design a robust safety solution that could withstand the demands of the manufacturing environment while offering reliable protection for team members.
Implementation and Impact:
A cross-functional team from maintenance, converting, and corrugating collaborated on the project, going through multiple design iterations to ensure the guard fit properly and allowed access to blade bolts without complete removal. The result is a durable, easy-to-use guard that has eliminated incidents in the area since its installation, enhancing safety and usability for the crews.