Case Study: Reconfiguring Products to Create a Safer, More Productive Work Environment
The Challenge
Our Solution
Instead of just recommending a higher-level protective glove to eliminate hand lacerations, Quest met with the customer’s Industrial Hygienist and end users to fully understand their drum process. We learned how they were using the fiber drums, what the process and its ergonomic challenges were like, and how both could be improved. After this extensive research process, we sourced the drums from a new manufacturer and implemented the following changes: • Both the metal ring used on the top and bottom of the drum and the locking mechanism on the lid were replaced with plastic, eliminating exposure to hand lacerations and ensuring total incineration of each drum. • Liners were spun into the drum, eliminating a step for the customer in the handling process. • Extensive price negotiations were conducted with the manufacturer to hold pricing for 24 months.
Fiber drums serve a key function in the pharmaceutical industry; for this client, they were also a source of frustration. They asked Quest to review their program to address: • Safety concerns: end users were experiencing hand lacerations when closing and locking their current fiber drums. • Insufficient incineration: the metal ring around the top and bottom of the drum would not completely incinerate. • Rising costs: drum prices were increasing annually. • Process efficiency: their existing
drum handling process had too many steps; eliminating steps would increase overall productivity for the team.
The Outcome
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