Achievement Award

Innovation in Safety

Recognizing plants or companies that have introduced impactful safety innovations, leading to advancements in workplace safety.
2024 Committee's Choice Award Winner

2024

Smurfit Westrock Yakima Container Plant

Collaborative Design of Durable Slitter Scorer Blade Guard for Enhanced Safety and Usability

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.