MCC Label Partners with TuMeke to Enhance Ergonomic Safety and Reduce Risks

February 14, 2024
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"With TuMeke, we can visually illustrate process risks, and the necessity for change, that leads to improved safety."

Introduction

Multi-Color Corporation (MCC Label) stands as a pioneer in the field of labeling and packaging innovation, boasting a century-long legacy of delivering premium labeling solutions for renowned household brands.

That’s what drew Juan Medrano, a Maintenance Manager and Safety Leader in Napa, CA, to join the company. As part of his role, Juan was tasked with reducing MSD risk and improving the culture of workplace safety in the manufacturing plant.

To do this, Juan set forth three key objectives:

  • Evaluate all processes and pinpoint areas requiring immediate attention.
  • Model behaviors and processes for new lines before implementation.
  • Foster employee participation and engagement to cultivate a safer work environment.

Challenges with Typical Assessments

Juan’s ambitious goals were accompanied by a myriad of challenges. Traditional methods of conveying ergonomic risks proved inadequate in offering both visual and data-backed representation.

The manual, time-consuming nature of assessments, coupled with inherent biases, posed hurdles in accurately identifying significant risks. Additionally, the diverse heights of the workforce introduced unique challenges in tailoring ergonomic assessments to individual needs.

MCC Label had begun a search for an efficient alternative to create changes that would improve worker safety. In this search, TuMeke emerged as a strategic partner to help achieve these objectives, and Juan was one of the first to give TuMeke a try.

TuMeke's Technology Stands Out

TuMeke’s innovative approach to ergonomic assessment using AI and computer vision provided a visual representation of all processes. The tool's data-driven insights promised to uncover nuanced risks that might be overlooked in traditional evaluations.

This also meant that more assessments could be done faster, while removing the inherent human biases in traditional methods. TuMeke's capabilities allowed for tailored assessments, addressing the ergonomic concerns specific to employees of varying heights. This created a departure from the one-size-fits-all paradigm, marking a substantial improvement in the precision of risk identification.

Implementing TuMeke

Strategic implementation strategies were employed, with two standout success stories illustrating TuMeke's impact.

Pallet Jack Handling:
  • Transitioned from pulling to pushing pallet jacks, strategically positioned pallets to reduce effort.
  • Eliminated manual handling of 500lb pallets.
  • Invested in electric motorized pallet jacks to mitigate risks across different locations.
  • Positive operator feedback on reduced muscle soreness and shoulder complaints.
Handling Rolls of Paper:
  • Raised paper roll positions and introduced carts on wheels to minimize bending and kneeling.
  • Received positive feedback for implemented lifts at two locations.

These interventions had a significant impact on reducing ergonomic risks and improving safety of tasks. Speaking on the successful implementation of TuMeke, Juan said, “Previously, explaining changes to production personnel and justifying new equipment purchases to upper management posed challenges. With TuMeke, we can visually illustrate process risks, and the necessity for change, that leads to improved safety.”

Partnering for a Safer Future

Buoyed by positive feedback from Juan’s success, MCC Label has partnered with TuMeke for a corporate-wide implementation at all of their facilities. This reflects their commitment to sustained excellence and a strategic leap forward towards proactive workplace safety.

MCC Label embraces a future where safety, empowered by TuMeke, is not just a priority but an ingrained cultural norm.

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