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By Andrew Salvadore, CSP, Corporate Safety Manager, and the People of Henkels & McCoy
If you haven’t heard, we exceeded our 2010 Target goal for OSHA recordable incident rate and it deserves CONGRATULATIONS! This represents the sixth consecutive year over year improvement in this metric. Our Safety Transformation builds on this momentum. For field to office staff, the quest for World Class safety performance represents tremendous responsibility and significant opportunity. We are grateful to the following employees for sharing their thoughts on the subject:
- Will Bowie: East Region IBEW 126 Journeyman Lineman. Seven years industry experience; four with H&M.
- Randy Case: H&M NetWorks Project Manager. Ten years industry experience; one year with H&M.
- Ryan Crull: Central Region Director of Power Operations. Sixteen years industry experience; thirteen with H&M.
- Debbie Furuglyas: Credit and Collections representative in H&M’s corporate office. Twenty years industry experience; four with H&M.
- Ron Goss: Senior Regional Manager - H&M’s Training Services. Twenty-eight years industry experience, all with H&M.
- Dennis Hassett: Superintendent in West Region Power group. Forty-five years industry experience; eight with H&M.
What does the Safety Transformation mean to you?
Ryan: I am working for a company committed to an injury-free environment that is concerned with the safety of its employees both at home and work.
Dennis: The Safety Transformation is the most comprehensive, complete program I have seen in my career. It is well thought out, well supported, and well received in the field. With Safety Coaching Observation, supervisors gain the skills to approach their people in a professional manner, showing empathy and concern for employees’ well-being while getting solid feedback.
How have you heard about the Safety Transformation at Henkels & McCoy?
Ron: It would be impossible NOT to hear about it! It is discussed at every meeting and we always have tasks associated with the Transformation. It is part of how we do business.
Dennis: It started when I was approached to be a member of the Process Improvement Team for Incident Investigation and then asked to be one of the trainers. At first, I was a little apprehensive, having seen so many rollouts in my career, but I have to say I have been very fortunate to be a part of this from the beginning. Working for a company that has provided us with the training, tools, and support to develop our skills to a point where we can truly take the message to our employees is very rewarding.
How do you see the Safety Transformation changing the company?
Will: I see the Safety Transformation changing the company in many ways. Our goal, “Nobody Gets Hurt,” can be achieved with the support of this program. Many good things are going to come from the program. I see a greater decrease in OSHA recordable rate. I see Henkels & McCoy being the safest place to work. I see employees taking more things they learn at work home to their families and everyday life. I even see Henkels & McCoy achieving the goal of being a leader in “World Class Safety.”
Have you spoken to your family about the Safety Transformation?
Randy: Yes, safety does not start and stop on the job. Safety is 24/7. It involves everyone in our lives.
Ron: All the time! Mostly about driving… (I have teenage sons!) We are trying to make the “two-second following distance” rule take hold. It is challenging, but hopefully I’m making progress!
Does the Safety Transformation impact on your job and your approach to it?
Will: The Safety Transformation has affected my life drastically. The skills learned and people encountered have helped me be more aware of hazards around me. It also has provided me with additional tools to solve problems that may arise, and helped the way I view safety when at home. The effects of the program show in the way I communicate with members of my crew, all the way to the PPE I use when I mow my lawn at home. When I am on the job, “Hazard Recognition” is much better, communication with crew members through “Safety Coaching and Observation” is better, “Listen Up, Speak Up” has been encouraged and has improved, and I also challenge every individual on the crew with “Felt Leadership.” The program has definitely changed my life. Possibly, one day to save it.
Debbie: I work in the corporate office so my hazards are less than for those who work in the field, but they are hazards nonetheless. I find myself walking slower around corners, using handrails in stairwells, using caution when stepping out into the hallway, etc.
Do you feel that the Safety Transformation has made Henkels & McCoy different from other companies?
Ryan: Henkels & McCoy has always placed great value on safety. However, the Safety Transformation is a proactive approach to being a leader known in the industry as the safest contractor by our employees and customers.
Randy: It will make H&M different! That difference will be noted in how we check each other as well as visitors to our job sites.
Do you have conversations regarding the Safety Transformation with peers at work?
Will: Yes, I do. In fact, I serve on the East Power Safety Council, giving me the opportunity to discuss the Safety Transformation program, the latest advancements and developments. In addition, everyone knows I am part of the initiative and has heard me speak about the program. I have enjoyed educating and updating my peers. Questions and concerns have been brought to me about the program, evidence that the Safety Transformation is starting to show its effects.
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