SEATTLE — Boeing has unveiled enhancements to its Safety & Quality Plan, which focuses on four key areas: cultivating a superior safety and quality culture, investing in workforce training, simplifying production processes and eliminating manufacturing defects, according to a statement from Boeing.  

Safety and quality culture 

To elevate the company's safety and quality culture, Boeing, according to the company statement, has addressed more than 70% of action items derived from employee feedback gathered during “Quality Stand Down” sessions.  

The introduction of employee involvement teams across various airplane programs and fabrication has been another key development, the company said, creating collaboration among diverse work disciplines to effectively address and solve issues.  

Additionally, Boeing said it has bolstered its Speak Up system, enhancing confidentiality and ensuring employees are informed about the status of their reports.

Product safety and quality training 

Boeing has mandated product safety and quality training for all employees, while also enhancing training for mechanics and quality inspectors through a support system that includes workplace coaches and peer trainers. Furthermore, the introduction of a foundational training center has attracted over 2,500 employees seeking to improve their skills, according to the statement from Boeing.  

Simplifying processes 

Simplifying manufacturing processes has been a priority for Boeing, according to its statement and evidenced by the new random quality audits instituted in high-frequency areas, ensuring compliance with established protocols. The company has also streamlined installation plans within the 737-production line and revamped the “stamping” system, allowing mechanics and quality inspectors to display their names on work stamps for transparency. 

Eliminating defects 

In a bid to eliminate defects, Boeing has significantly reduced issues in the assembly of 737 fuselages by increasing inspection points and implementing a customer quality approval process at Spirit AeroSystems. Pilot programs, including centralized ownership of tool control, have been introduced to enhance compliance, the release said. Additionally, management and metrics for foreign object debris prevention are now embedded in critical work areas.