Our global supply chain team recently completed a major safety initiative focused on machine guarding. These continued campaigns have become an essential measure to protect employees and maintain operational excellence. This campaign reflects our commitment to a vision of zero incidents, enabling our global supply chain to work together towards a shared purpose.
Machine guarding is a critical component of workplace safety, as it prevents injuries by ensuring that moving parts are properly shielded with physical barriers that protect our employees from moving parts, flying debris, chemical projections, and pinch points. For example, a Sharpie® automation line may have sensors that automatically stop a machine if someone places a hand beyond a specified threshold.
Global Reach and Impact
The campaign spanned every region where Newell operates and engaged thousands of team members in local training and awareness activities. Over 9,400 knowledge quizzes were completed, reinforcing best practices and empowering employees to identify and mitigate risks. From manufacturing floors to distribution centers, the initiative inspired extra attention to make sure every machine met or exceeded safety standards.
Spotlight on Safety Excellence
Several locations were spotlighted for their exceptional commitment to safety during this campaign:
Auckland, New Zealand, which proudly manufactures our Sistema® brand, meaningfully improved its guarding practices
Mexicali, Mexico, home to many of our writing brands such as Sharpie® & Prismacolor®, implemented improved machine guarding measures, such as automation, electronic safeguards, and fixed guards, to protect its many team members during production every day
Jackson, Missouri, which manufactures Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, added machine safeguarding to older machines and processes to ensure the safety of its workforce, including integrating light curtains and fixed guards
Building a Culture of Safety
The campaign wasn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements; it was about strengthening our culture of safety. Sites hosted fun and educational activities, including music videos, themed safety reminders and commitment card sign-up activations.
“Each Newell Brands Safety Awareness campaign has helped reduce the number of reported incidents and injuries relating to the topic during the month it takes place, and for the following months after. The incident reduction is a great result, but a more lasting result is the positive employee engagement we see increasing with each safety campaign event,” said Manager, Corporate Health & Safety, Bryan Watkins.
Looking Ahead
Our commitment to safety does not stop at the end of a single campaign. Continuous upskilling, a focus on teamwork and an aspiration to build a high-performance, best-in-class supply chain mean that safety remains a top priority globally year-round. We look forward to our 2026 safety campaigns and to continuing to see our facilities make a positive impact by providing our consumers with the brands they love.