Stanley Furniture Plants Achieve 2 Million Hours Without Lost-Time Due To An Accident

Furniture World Magazine

Associates at the Stanley Furniture Company Stanleytown plant are living up to their motto “Safety first in every way, every day”. Recently they celebrated two million hours without a single lost-time accident, which is an especially impressive accomplishment considering that it involves 1,150 associates who work in the 56-acre complex. Determined to keep the massive 1.7 million sq. ft. facility more than safe, multiple safety committees encourage fellow associates to be accountable for a safe working environment. They review safety procedures, reward positive safety efforts and continually work to increase awareness through ongoing training, posters and even T-shirts printed with their motto. “In our industry, a million hours is astronomical. Two million is that much better. Now we’re going for three,” says Terry Carter, Stanley Furniture vice president of production, Virginia facilities. “We hope to reach three million by early 2006.” A lost-time accident is defined as any injury that prevents an employee from returning to work the next day. Achieving two million hours without a lost-time accident is an impressive accomplishment in any workplace, particularly in the manufacturing sector, which tends to have higher accident rates than other industries. “Each associate made a pledge to strive to practice safe behaviors and to look out for one another,” says Jeff Scheffer, Stanley Furniture chairman, president and chief executive officer. “There’s true community spirit here. Each of our associates looks out for the well-being of the others. As an added bonus, focusing on safety improves manufacturing efficiency and productivity.” One of the largest furniture manufacturers in the United States, Stanley Furniture Co., Inc. is widely recognized as a style and design leader. The company has received ten coveted Pinnacle Awards for fine quality residential wood furniture, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Stanley Furniture Collections are presented as dining room, bedroom, home entertainment and accent tables, and home office. Young America® is the industry leader in youth furniture. Founded in 1924, Stanley Furniture has a strong tradition of superior product supported by excellent quality and service. The shipment of orders to retail stores is among the fastest in the industry. Production facilities are located in Stanleytown and Martinsville, Va., as well as Robbinsville and Lexington, N.C. Stanley Furniture's upper-medium priced furniture is sold to furniture specialty stores, department stores and furniture store chains. Stanley Furniture common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol STLY.