Consistency is Key: How GPI Monroe Streamlines Safety

By 9 a.m. every morning, nearly 90 percent of Americans have touched or used a Graphic Packaging International (GPI) product, according to the company. From food and beverage cartons to household and personal care packaging, GPI manufactures paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized consumer brands.

With more than 23,000 employees worldwide, GPI’s approach to safety is both strategic and personal. Their “Think About Safety Always” initiative encourages employees to stay vigilant and proactive, helping to prevent serious, life-altering injuries that can impact not only individuals, but entire teams.

GPI’s Beverage Operations facility in Monroe, Louisiana, is a model of this safety initiative in action. The plant produces carton packaging for major beverage brands including Coca-Cola®. “At Monroe, safety expectations are clear and consistently communicated,” says Kathy Cooper, Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Manager. “Not just with our employees, but with our contractors and site visitors as well.”

Consistency in Safety Messaging

Monroe’s safety communication starts with TAPPISAFE, a web-based safety orientation and compliance program designed for mills, plants, and contractors in the forest products industry. Kathy first learned about TAPPISAFE from a sister mill within Graphic Packaging that had already seen success from using the platform. “They shared how easy it was to roll out the necessary safety information,” Kathy recalls. “Everyone receives a consistent message and nothing gets missed.”

That consistency was exactly what the Monroe site needed. With large-scale projects underway and a steady stream of general contractors on-site, the plant lacked a standardized process for communicating safety expectations. “We didn’t have a unified way to convey the same message to every person coming on-site,” explains Kathy. “TAPPISAFE became our one-stop shop for safety communication.”

Seamless and User-Friendly

The transition to TAPPISAFE was smooth and well-supported. “Working with TAPPISAFE has been a pleasure,” Kathy shares. “The customer service has been phenomenal. We were provided with everything we needed, from an introductory letter to a step-by-step guide.”

Since its implementation in late 2024, more than 85 contractors have completed the TAPPISAFE program at the Monroe plant. The platform’s user-friendly interface has been well received, even by those less comfortable with technology. “I was initially concerned about how our aging workforce would adapt,” Kathy admits. “But we’ve had no complaints. It’s been very easy for everyone to use.”

One of Kathy’s favorite features of the TAPPISAFE program: real-time training verification with digital badges. “Contractors can show their badge on their phone, and we can verify training on the spot,” says Kathy. “It’s very convenient. I don’t have to go back to the office to check if someone has completed their training – it’s all right there.”  

Site Specific

Kathy believes TAPPISAFE is valuable for converting sites like Monroe. “Oftentimes, when you try to put together a site-specific orientation on your own, it’s boring, hard to understand, and difficult for people to follow,” she says. “With TAPPISAFE, you just provide your rules, and they take care of the rest.”

The TAPPISAFE team worked with the Monroe site to create custom videos using real images and signage from their facility. “That level of customization makes a big difference,” Kathy adds. “Safety training is no longer vague – it’s specific to our site. Now, whether it’s a contractor working on a new line or someone here for routine maintenance, they all receive the same safety message.”

Go Home Safe

Safety is non-negotiable at Monroe and across all GPI sites. “We want everyone to go home safe,” Kathy emphasizes. To achieve that goal, “it’s very important to have a consistent safety message,” Kathy concludes. “TAPPISAFE makes safety communication easy. I’m glad our sister mill told us about this program. Hopefully, we can get more converting sites to join forces with us.”

TAPPISAFE is a web-based safety orientation and contractor verification program that enables your workforce to complete industry-specific training online, ensuring they arrive at the job site ready for gate entry.  Learn more at tappisafe.org. 

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Note: This article was originally published in Paper360° Magazine.