Rathbone Precision Metals, Inc. starts off the new year with a Safety Committee Meeting to discuss ongoing safety efforts, discuss newly identified safety topics, and is implementing processes regarding the 45001 ISO certification.
In a high-intensity manufacturing environment, safety isn’t just a set of rules in a handbook—it’s a continuously evolving and an active part of the daily workflow. While leadership sets the policy, the “engine” of a safe production floor is the Safety Committee.
But what makes these committees so vital to our success? It comes down to three core pillars: perspective, proactive prevention, and shared ownership.
1. Boots-on-the-Ground Perspective
The best safety insights come from the people operating the grinders, handling the chemicals, and navigating the forklifts.
Safety committee members act as the “eyes and ears” of the production facility. Because they work in the trenches, they notice the small things before they become big problems—like a flickering light in the warehouse, a slightly worn hydraulic hose, or a “leaner” in the storage rack that others might walk past.
2. Shifting from Reactive to Proactive
In manufacturing, being reactive means fixing something after an accident happens. Being proactive means identifying the hazard, so the accident never happens in the first place.
Through tools like the Safety Committee Checklist, members conduct regular audits to:
- Identify wear and tear on machinery before it fails.
- Ensure PPE is accessible and being used.
- Verify that NFPA and machine control labels are legible and accurate.
3. Building a Culture of Shared Ownership
A safety committee breaks down the “us vs. them” mentality regarding regulations. When your peers are the ones conducting the audits and leading the training on new equipment—like our new drum handlers—safety becomes a shared responsibility.
It’s about looking out for the person standing next to you. When safety is led by the team, for the team, it creates a culture where everyone feels empowered to speak up if they see something unsafe.
