From Burden to Benefit: Rethinking Safety and Project Management in Manufacturing

In the manufacturing sector, safety is often perceived as a costly obligation, with many organizations viewing investments in safety protocols and training as unnecessary financial burdens. This misconception can cause leadership to make decisions that cut or reduce safety programs. However, Harrisburg University presents a compelling case for a different perspective, demonstrating how strategic safety initiatives can yield substantial cost savings. By integrating additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, the university has enhanced safety through automation, minimizing human interaction with hazardous equipment, materials, and conditions. Effective project management principles and risk management techniques have further optimized inventory management, leveraging AM's material efficiency to reduce waste from overstock and understock scenarios. Additionally, improved maintenance and calibration processes for AM systems have reduced equipment downtime and repair expenditures, ensuring smooth, safe operations. Most importantly, the university's comprehensive safety measures - rooted in systematic risk assessment and mitigation strategies, particularly for AM processes - have significantly lowered the risk of injuries and illnesses related to material handling and machine operations. This proactive approach not only reduces the high costs of medical claims, workers' compensation, and lost productivity but also cultivates a culture of safety, sustainability, and operational excellence. Harrisburg University illustrates that safety investments, especially when aligned with AM technologies, are not merely expenses but strategic assets that drive efficiency and sustainability.