Rathbone Precision Metals’ Safety Committee recently met to review our progress and implement new initiatives designed to keep our team protected, respected, and prepared.
Here is a look at the key improvements rolling out across the production floor.
Empowering Operators with “Real-Time” Safety
We are shifting more power into the hands of our skilled operators. We have replaced traditional scheduled maintenance (PMs) for our Grinder and Sander units with Operator Daily Use Check Sheets.
- Why it matters: The people using the machines every day are the best line of defense.
- The Setup: Each unit now features a mounted Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for quick reference and newly stationed face shields to ensure PPE is always within arm’s reach.
Prioritizing Privacy and Dignity in Emergencies
Safety is about physical health, but it is also about respect. We have addressed a critical gap in our first-aid response regarding personal privacy.
- Emergency Blankets: We have stocked silver foil blankets in all first aid cabinets and AED cases. These will be used to create a “privacy shield” to protect employees’ privacy during treatment or in the event they need to remove clothing for medical treatment (such as AED attachment).
- Backup Supplies: We are also stocking replacement clothing (shirts and pants) in the first aid cabinet to ensure anyone affected by a chemical spill or contamination can change into clean, dry gear immediately.
Identifying Our “First Responders”
In a crisis, every second counts. To help employees and guests identify help quickly, we are exploring new identifiers for our Safety Committee members. Keep an eye out for specially colored hats or pins—these will mark our designated First Responders on the floor.
Climate Control: Monitoring the Elements
As part of our Extreme Weather Program, we are evaluating the installation of temperature and humidity monitoring stations throughout the shop floor. These stations will provide real-time environmental data, enabling us to proactively manage heat stress risks and maintain safe working conditions in all seasons. By continuously monitoring conditions, we can implement timely controls—such as adjusting work/rest cycles, increasing ventilation, or deploying cooling and hydration measures—before conditions become hazardous. This initiative supports our commitment to employee safety, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience under varying environmental conditions, regardless of the season.
Action Items & Recent Wins
Our team has been busy “closing the loop” on several facility improvements:
- Forklift Safety: As of March 20, all rotating orange safety lights on our forklifts have been inspected and repaired.
- Hazard Removal: A leaning steel plate at Draw Bench 2 was successfully bolted down and secured.
- New Equipment: We have introduced two new drum-handling units to reduce manual lifting strain. Training programs for these are currently being rolled out.