Packaging

Eight Smurfit-Stone Corrugated Container Facilities Win Fibre Box Association Safety Awards

Thursday 15. May 2008 - Eight Smurfit-Stone corrugated container facilities have been recognized by the Fibre Box Association (FBA) for their outstanding safety performances in 2007.

Each year, the FBA recognizes sheet plants and corrugated container facilities that achieve the fewest reported occupational injuries or illnesses in relation to the number of hours worked for the preceding calendar year.

By focusing on prevention, regular meetings to discuss safety issues, and identification, reporting and analysis of near misses, Smurfit-Stone’s winning facilities achieved an impressive 0.0 recordable case rate (RCR) for the year. RCR represents the number of cases requiring medical treatment per 100 full-time employees per year, as measured by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Smurfit-Stone’s winning plants include corrugator facilities located in Mishawaka, IN; Chattanooga, TN; North Tonawanda, NY; Williamsport, PA; Humboldt, TN; and Adams, WI; and sheet plants in Elkhart, IN, and Lexington, KY.

“Smurfit-Stone is honored to have won eight of the 14 awards presented by the FBA,” said John Knudsen, senior vice president of manufacturing for Smurfit-Stone’s Corrugated Container division. “We take great pride in our safety culture and continue to progress toward our ultimate goal of achieving an accident-free workplace.”

Smurfit-Stone has led the major integrated companies in the pulp and paper industry in safety performance every year since 2001, demonstrating progressive year-over-year improvement. The company posted the best safety performance in its history in 2007, achieving a 1.05 RCR. Smurfit-Stone offers safety training for key managers, a safety leadership training program for line supervisors, and additional data analyses and employee training to encourage safe practices.

“Prevention of injuries is good business,” Knudsen said. “But working safely isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people. Our employees are our most important asset, and we are committed to protecting their health and well-being.”