Navigating Health and Safety in Manufacturing
Health and safety in manufacturing is not merely a regulatory requirement or a set of guidelines to be followed; it is the cornerstone of a thriving and sustainable industry. The manufacturing sector is a dynamic environment where workers interact daily with heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and potentially dangerous processes. Ensuring the health and safety of workers is paramount, not only to protect individuals from harm, but also to maintain operational continuity and efficiency. A robust health and safety program not only reduces the risk of workplace accidents and injuries but also fosters a culture of responsibility and care. It is an investment in the well-being of employees, the longevity of the business, and the trust of consumers. In this article, we delve into the significance of health and safety practices in manufacturing and how they contribute to the success and longevity of businesses in this vital sector.
In the first of three parts in the Women in Manufacturing series, we spotlight two women leading the charge in pushing health and safety standards within their manufacturing organizations.
Lori Imhoff, HR Manager at Charter Furniture
“It was a profound moment because it made me realize the power of perception and how it can shape opportunities.”
– Lori Imhoff
Lori Imhoff joined Charter Furniture in Siler City, NC, in 2023. Charter Furniture crafts superior hospitality furniture for luxury hotel guest rooms, lobbies, restaurants, and spas all over the world.
Having started her career in advertising and communications, she already had experience with fast-paced environments and people management, “My job in advertising was my introduction to people and how they experience a Company’s product or service,” Imhoff stated. When recruited into manufacturing she recognized “Human Resources is one of the most critical functions in operating a manufacturing facility. If the people don’t buy into the Company’s higher purpose or value, it will show in the quality of the product and the customer will know it. So, we focused on establishing some foundational practices for the people.” One of the practices Imhoff had a significant influence on was safety.
Imhoff noted that Human Resources is made up of people, and people make up a company, so making the transition from communications to manufacturing was easy for her. Focused on the Company values, one of which was Caring, was a perfect way to gain buy-in and focus on strengthening the safety culture. “Throughout my career in manufacturing, safety has always been a top priority. Every meeting began with a discussion on safety, it was ingrained in our culture. When joining Charter, I noticed a great opportunity to improve focus on safety. Absent any safety discussions, or personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, which was concerning given the equipment, tools and processes we used, it prompted me to take immediate action. I realized the first step would be establishing a culture of accountability and safety.”
Imhoff took the initiative to build a comprehensive safety culture at Charter Furniture. She developed a safety program structured around a safety triangle, akin to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. At the base were all the preventable measures that are regularly monitored to prevent incidents further up the hierarchy. She emphasized that everyone in the organization was accountable for any injury or near miss. “We went back to basics, establishing core principles and defining minimum PPE requirements on the floor. We conducted training sessions aligned with our safety principles each month and published a monthly training calendar. We introduced monthly safety management meetings, cascading down to every team meeting, ensuring safety was at the forefront of discussion,” Imhoff stated.
Training extended beyond the basics, covering topics such as proper lifting techniques and lockout-tagout procedures. The organization plans to focus on job design and hazard analysis. This involves working closely with individual teams to map their processes and identify hazards. “It’s heartening to see team members embracing safety practices, such as being in the “power zone” for heavy lifting. This journey is ongoing, and I am proud to support our plant leadership as they take ownership of safety practices. While I champion our safety program, I also recognize the importance of plant leadership in embodying and enforcing these safety measures. We are committed to creating a safer and more accountable work environment,” said Imhoff.
Imhoff shared her experience with a female mentor, Rhonda Roush, who was instrumental in her professional development. “Rhonda took me under her wing and taught me HR strategy. In our first conversation about this move, she shared her singular goal for me: ‘to change everyone’s perception of me.’ It was a profound moment because it made me realize the power of perception and how it can shape opportunities. Rhonda was grooming me to become someone who was not just energetic and passionate in my communications, but also strategic and impactful, and with the combination of them both, I would soar. With a lot of experience presenting and public speaking on stage, I recognized that working in HR required mastering the skills of communication. It was about self-awareness and understanding the impact of words and actions, listening, giving and receiving feedback, especially when dealing with sensitive matters in human resources. Rhonda’s guidance has been invaluable, shaping my career path and my approach to leadership and professional interactions,” Imhoff shared. “Now MY only goal is to provide the people of Charter a safe space, physically and emotionally, to perform as the BEST version of themselves.”
Kyna McBurrows, Health and Safety Coordinator at ZIEHL-ABEGG
“Be the expert you know you can be and things will fall into place. Trust in your abilities and the journey will unfold as you navigate through the industry.”
– Kyna McBurrows
Kyna McBurrows shared, “In my role at ZIEHL-ABEGG in Greensboro, North Carolina, I oversee and manage company safety programs, ensuring that processes, procedures, and protocols are in place to maintain safety within the facility at all times. I am responsible for administering all inspection programs and maintaining our EHS portal. Additionally, I lead new hire safety walkthroughs, as we have new hires every Monday, providing them with safety orientation. Leading by example is also crucial in my position, demonstrating a commitment to safety and setting the standard for the facility.”
McBurrows didn’t know that she wanted to work in health and safety; her career path took a turn along the way. “Initially, I was pursuing a degree in medicine but that plan didn’t quite pan out. Then, coincidentally, I was offered a job at Amazon in their EHS department, although I hadn’t even completed my schooling yet,” remarked McBurrows. Curious about EHS, she started digging deeper into the field. The more she learned, the more intrigued I became. “I have family members who worked for the Big Three automakers back home, some of whom were involved in incidents, which made me connect the dots. I realized that this field was not limited to manufacturing but also extended to retail, where I had previous experience and even hospitals. It all comes back to one thing: the diverse applications and importance of EHS across various industries,” stated McBurrows.
The work McBurrows is most proud of is building and sustaining a solid health and safety culture. “Working at ZIEHL-ABEGG has been quite an experience. Building a strong safety culture has been a significant focus for me,” said McBurrows. She’s helped implement the safety learning management system and has been involved in ZIEHL-ABEGG’s new building project in Winston-Salem, NC.
McBurrows says she sees ZIEHL-ABEGG growing more robust in its concerns regarding organizational health and safety in the coming years. “In terms of my organization, we are experiencing significant growth. I envision us becoming one of the top leaders in safety, and I aim for us to be recognized as one of the safest facilities in the area.” McBurrows continued. “Sometimes the safety leadership is misunderstood and are perceived as the “bad guys” but I want to change that perception. When people see us, I want them to know that safety is here to genuinely help and support them, not to discourage them in any way. We are always looking out for their best interests and are committed to fostering a safe and healthy work environment for everyone,” said McBurrows.
When asked what advice she had for women thinking about a career in manufacturing, McBurrows offered, “Don’t be afraid of entering a male-dominated field like manufacturing, especially in safety roles. It can seem daunting at first, not seeing many who look like you, but it’s entirely possible. Confidence will grow over time, and support will be there for you. It may take a bit, especially if you’re starting in a new organization or if you’re younger. However, don’t hesitate to hold your ground and give it your all. Be the expert you know you can be, and things will fall into place. Trust in your abilities and the journey will unfold as you navigate through the industry.”
