As shipbuilders, we strive to protect our ships and facilities from fire and damage. We achieve this by taking care of ourselves and safeguarding the materials we use every day to support our mission. Zero Damages means we treat each other, as well as our tools, equipment and materials, with the utmost care.
Manufacturing analyst Sam Braxton, a second-generation shipbuilder, understands how to care for shipyard equipment. Following in his father’s footsteps, Sam emphasizes Care & Protection in the Machinery department.
We caught up with Sam to talk more about how he and his team ensure Zero Damages.
In reference to Zero Damages, what comes to mind when you think about Care & Protection of materials and equipment?
It’s important that we cover up and protect everything before it goes to the deckplate. It’s not just equipment that falls under Zero Damages; our tooling is expensive, too. If we don't take care of our tools and materials, the lead time on getting replacement parts can shut down work and cost us valuable time.
How does your department teach shipbuilders the importance of taking care of and protecting materials and equipment?
We educate at all levels of the organization, making sure every shipbuilder has ownership of the process. Everything we work with is crucial – engines, generators, you name it – we have to do it right and take care of everything.
Besides the cover-ups, what are some other things your team is doing to ensure Care & Protection?
Every morning during the Take Five or before we shut down for the day, we make sure our tools are protected and covered. Everything needs to be in excellent condition for the next person to use.
What about protecting materials when they are moved to another location in the shipyard?
Any time we have to move critical pieces of equipment, we protect them with a thick rust inhibitor. We also put hard covers over it to avoid mechanical damage.
What motivates you to maintain this quality of care for our materials as it relates to the bigger picture of Ingalls?
We're a small department, a great team and consider ourselves family. The ships won’t go anywhere without shafts. The ships won’t function without the engines. There’s no power on the ship without generators. Everybody has a role in protecting equipment to produce the best vessels possible.
Zero Fires. Zero Injuries. Zero Damages. Zero Compromise.
Care & Protection of materials make a difference for you, your fellow shipbuilders and our service members. It’s how we show pride and respect for the work that we do and for those who will sail aboard our vessels to keep us safe.
This quarter, bright yellow signs throughout the shipyard serve as a constant reminder of our goal to have Zero Damages. Know your equipment, follow safety protocols and hold each other accountable to help us achieve this goal.
Let’s come together as a team and Zero In On Safety because it’s a promise we make to ourselves, our shipmates and our families.