Ask the Expert: The Role of Safety in Operational Excellence

Building a workplace safety culture that goes beyond minimum compliance requirements can be a powerful lever for manufacturing operational excellence. Organizations that prioritize employee safety engagement create a stronger foundation for continuous improvement in manufacturing while reducing costs and improving productivity.

In this Ask the Expert, Dede Ericson, director of client engagement for Performance Solutions by Milliken & Company, explains how manufacturers can strengthen workplace injury prevention efforts and build a more engaged and resilient workforce. Readers will gain insights into the leadership behaviors, frontline engagement strategies, and continuous improvement principles that help sustain long-term safety performance. Readers will also learn how manufacturing safety leadership can influence workforce retention, operational consistency, and overall plant performance.