Keep Track of Safety

Finally, as NCI likes to say, “If you Don’t Measure, You’re Just Guessing.” This statement is true for creating a safety culture; regardless of how minor the incident. Each safety incident is an opportunity for your team to learn and get better, no matter the size.

We keep track using specialized software, but there are plenty of ways to build Excel spreadsheets to keep track of incidents. You can track the number of days between incidents, keep tabs on technicians to see the impact of their training on the number of incidents they have, and more.

Then during our regular one-on-one meetings with the techs, we can address any safety issues we see. It’s important to share what we learn from our incident meetings with everyone. It’s a learning opportunity.

Creating a culture of safety includes catching people doing something right. Our team can nominate people for recognition regarding a specific one of Haller’s Seven Values. It’s an opportunity. These recognitions give us a chance to celebrate. Then we have an end-of-year recognition breakfast.

In the end, safety for both your techs and customers should be a high priority. The new generation coming into the trades care about work-life balance and about going home in one piece. Do yourself and them a favor and begin working on or improving your culture of safety today.

Eddie McFarlane is Vice President of Learning and Development for Haller Enterprises, Inc., Lititz, PA. He has been in the HVAC trades for 19 years. He joined Haller Enterprises in 2006, with a focus on residential service and replacement. McFarlane served in various positions within the company, including sales, management, and marketing on both the commercial and residential sides of the company. You can reach him at ncilink.com/ContactMe

Dwayne Stauffer is the Safety and Risk Control Manager at Haller Enterprises. He has been with Haller for 32 years. Stauffer began his career in the electrical trades, earned his journeyman license, moved into management, and eventually into a safety role. According to McFarlane Stauffer led the development of Haller’s safety culture. You can reach him at ncilink.com/ContactMe.