At its distribution center in Montebello, California, Rockfon North America, part of ROCKWOOL Group, celebrates its annual safety milestone and a cumulative estimated total 323,700 hours in 23 consecutive years without any lost-time injuries. The facility and its staff provide logistical management for warehousing and distribution of Rockfon's extensive portfolio of acoustic stone wool ceiling panels, wood ceiling products, specialty metal ceilings, ceiling suspension systems and accessories.

Reviewing more than two decades of safety achievements, Tony Puinti, distribution manager for the California-based team, noted that the focus of safety and an injury-free record have remained constant due in part to regular training and practical application. He explained, "We have a safety meeting once a month, where we bring in lunch and go over a safety topic. I try to relate it to home safety, as well as work safety. For example, if we are talking about hand safety, we will talk about pinch points from a forklift, as well as pinch points on your car door."

Everyone in the Montebello location participates in the monthly safety committee meetings and also in the lean manufacturing 5S programs. Puinti said, "This helps to keep the building clean and safe, too."

This commitment to safety and continuous improvement has transcended time, location, staffing, experience level, departmental function, and a continually growing product offering. In 2002, when the facility moved from Vernon to the Montebello location, it distributed Chicago Metallic® suspension systems and specialty metal ceilings to 11 western states. In 2014, Rockfon acoustic stone wool ceiling panels significantly increased the products available to customers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Puinti emphasized, "Safety does not end when you leave for the day at Rockfon. I believe involvement of everyone is the key to success."