At Canton Drop Forge, safety is more than a set of procedures or a number on a report. It is an ongoing responsibility — one that requires consistent attention, accountability and participation from every level of the organization.
Over the past year, Canton Drop Forge has taken a comprehensive look at its safety practices and made meaningful changes throughout the facility. From training and personal protective equipment to incident investigation and housekeeping, the focus has been on strengthening the systems that help employees identify risks, address concerns and work safely every day.
That work is producing measurable progress, with Canton Drop Forge seeing an approximately 80% reduction in injuries compared with the same period last year.
While that improvement is significant, the larger story is the work behind the percentage — and the continued commitment of employees, union representatives and leadership to strengthening safety throughout the organization. This emphasis on measurable progress, accountability and employee wellbeing is central to Canton Drop Forge’s continued safety efforts.
Building Accountability Into the Culture
One of Canton Drop Forge’s key focus areas has been strengthening employee awareness and encouraging individuals to recognize potential hazards before they lead to an incident.
The facility’s Stop and Think program emphasizes risk identification and encourages employees to assess their surroundings and potential hazards before beginning a task. Participation has grown throughout 2026, supported by a broader focus on safety training and awareness.
Canton Drop Forge has also expanded training efforts across the organization. Monthly safety training is complemented by programs for new hires and specialized training for employees operating forklifts, aerial lifts and cranes, as well as first-responder training.
The company has also been working toward completion of its Safety Absolutes rollout, reinforcing expectations around the fundamental practices employees are expected to follow every day.
“The culture and removal of barriers by far have been the biggest change. Everyone working together with the same mindset of Nobody gets hurt today which is our drive to prove Zero Injuries is achievable.” Chad Neighbor, CSP
Investing in Safer Operations
Canton Drop Forge’s safety improvements extend beyond training.
The facility has invested in equipment, resources and environmental improvements designed to reduce risks and make safe practices easier and more accessible throughout the plant.
PPE vending machines provide employees with 24/7 access to necessary protective equipment. Uniforms are provided to personnel at no charge, eyewash stations are available throughout the plant, and tool availability has been improved so employees have access to the appropriate equipment for their work.
For certain inspection tasks involving titanium, Canton Drop Forge has also implemented powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) to further support employee protection.
Additional efforts have included improved lighting throughout the plant, work to reduce water on walkways, housekeeping and scrap removal, and environmental improvements in areas including the OWS and powerhouse. Industrial hygiene testing has also been conducted in areas including the forge, die shop and upsetter operations.
Strengthening the Process Behind Safety
Canton Drop Forge has also strengthened how incidents are evaluated and addressed.
Incident investigation requirements include root cause analysis and an increased emphasis on preserving the scene following an incident, allowing teams to better understand what happened, identify contributing factors and determine appropriate corrective actions.
Improvements have also been made to the onsite clinic, including updated equipment and an increased focus on consistent care and case management.
Together, these initiatives represent a broader approach to safety: identify risks, understand root causes, make improvements and continually evaluate their effectiveness.
Recognition Reflects a Shared Commitment
The progress underway at Canton Drop Forge has also been recognized beyond the facility.
Canton Drop Forge received an FIA Safety Award, recognizing its safety performance and the progress being made within its operations.
Additionally, USW Local 3446, District 1 at Canton Drop Forge received the 2026 Karen Silkwood Award from the United Steelworkers Health, Safety & Environment Department. The recognition highlights the local union’s work to strengthen safety systems, increase participation in safety and health efforts, and advance safety improvements through collaboration and employee involvement.
Together, these recognitions reflect something larger than an award: the shared effort required to create meaningful change.
Rather than representing a finish line, the recognitions reflect the work, focus and commitment demonstrated by the Canton Drop Forge team and reinforce the importance of continuing to strengthen safety culture throughout the organization.
“Collaboration with all levels of the organization is the true way to change a safety culture. Culture and performance are connected and the alliances we have made with all interested parties with the removal of barriers have been a game changer for the organization.” Chad Neighbor, CSP
Canton Drop Forge’s safety focus carries a simple message:
Nobody Gets Hurt Today.
Reaching that goal requires more than one program, investment or initiative. It requires employees to identify risks before beginning a task. It requires leaders to listen and respond. It requires consistent training, appropriate equipment, effective processes and accountability throughout the organization.
And measurable improvement does not mean the work is finished.
“We have put in a lot of effort defining procedures and polices and followed that up with proper training. To continue progress we must continue focusing on these two items driving further into the organization. We must become more granular and drive the development of task based procedures and training at the unit level.” Chad Neighbor, CSP
The progress made over the past year demonstrates what focused, collaborative action can accomplish. The goal now is to continue building on that progress — strengthening the systems, habits and shared responsibility that help ensure every employee goes home safely at the end of the day.