Education and Outreach
Kimball International
Jasper, IN
Proactive Safety has been the goal at Kimball International for many years, but they took it to a whole new level in 2024. They began looking at leading indicators such as safety observations, safety improvements, early intervention levels, ergonomic improvements, and job safety analyses to best determine what would provide the most benefit to their employees
Safety observations became a great opportunity to have conversations with employees. Talking about safety from an office is much different than actually being in the production areas. Employees are encouraged to report any discomfort or pain to management, even if the source isn’t work-related. Ergonomics are reviewed and discussed to prevent current injuries, but to also prevent cumulative injuries years down the road. Job safety analyses are reviewed and updated with the workers themselves, as they are the experts on what is required of their positions. By implementing these programs, Kimball International has seen renewed involvement with both employees and management to work together on improving workplace safety and health.
Partnerships
Building Associates, Inc.
Bloomington, IN
As a commercial construction and roofing business, employee safety and health are critical components of a successful company. For many years, Building Associates maintained a reactive stance, responding to safety and health issues and investigating incidents after they occurred. For the last three years, they have shifted to a proactive approach, hiring a full-time Environmental Health and Safety Director, partnering with a third-party resource, and investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into safety equipment, training, policies, and practices. Building Associates now has an extensive safety program, the resources to properly train employees on policies, and the ability to ensure policies are being followed.
They found that with employee buy-in and ownership of the program, Building Associates stood a chance of actually attaining their goal of zero workplace injuries. After some initial culture shock, employee morale increased dramatically as they realized the care and concern the company has in their well-being.
Rising Star
Masterbrand Cabinets – Jasper Operations
Jasper, IN
Masterbrand Cabinets took a holistic approach to workplace safety and health, implementing and revamping several elements of their safety and health programs. Some of the programs affected include behavior-based safety observations, early Intervention and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, the daily safe start process, and a re-invigorated safety committee. Each program is designed to promote employee engagement within the facility.
The behavior-based safety team and committee are led exclusively by hourly employees, with management serving a support role. The hourly employees increase awareness and encourage participation from their peers within their respective departments. The management team provides additional support and resources to the team as necessary. Creating a strong safety culture requires engagement across all levels—from the frontline to senior leadership. This engagement is on full display at Masterbrand Cabinets.
Rising Star
Strick Trailers, LLC
Monroe, IN
Strick Trailers, LLC believes their safety program should be an open book. They invite outside guests and contractors in to inspect the facility for safety concerns. As an INSHARP-certified company, they have partnered with the Indiana Department of Labor’s INSAFE division to have full-scope site reviews every few years, and to maintain a dialogue about safety and health trends, changes, issues, and best practices along the way. Strick Trailers works with specialized contractors to offer live and computer-based safety and health training. New hire training spans 80 hours to ensure safety is the first priority. This interactive training helps acclimate new hires to the floor before turning them loose on their own.
The impact of the safety efforts has been felt through a steep reduction in recordable injuries, minor first aid, and near misses. Hazard awareness has increased, as have the flow of communication, willingness to help, and the overall trust in company actions. The number of workplace incidents has decreased by 60% and the Days Away from Work, Job Transfer, and Restriction cases have been reduced by 18%. The injury rate for those with less than a year experience less than a year is nearly zero.
Rising Star
George E. Booth Co.
Indianapolis, IN
With 61 years of business experience, George E. Booth Co. has made significant strides in enhancing workplace safety and health over the last few years. Having only created their safety department two years ago, they have been making up for lost time; implementing new training for 23 forklift operators, 32 First Aid/CPR/AED certified employees, and ten line-leaders to conduct regular location inspections for safety and health. Booth formed a dedicated safety committee with 10 employees from various departments. The ”Good Catch” program was also recently implemented. This program allows employees to report safety hazards directly to the safety department using a QR code found on wallet cards or flyers at each location. Submissions of valid safety concerns are incentivized with gift cards, promoting active participation.
In 2024, Booth produced a video featuring upper management that emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, reinforcing its importance across all levels of the organization. These changes and new focus have helped foster collaboration and build a stronger safety and health culture company-wide. In response to a 2024 safety survey question, “I believe that my organization is dedicated to improving the safety of its employees,” 100% of Booth's employees agreed.
Rising Star
Viewrail
Goshen, IN
In 2024, Viewrail implemented the Safe at Work Pledge as a key initiative to strengthen their safety culture and emphasize individual accountability. The pledge invited employees to actively contribute to workplace safety by promptly reporting hazards, maintaining clean and organized work areas, and leading by example. This initiative was strategically marketed during June, aligning with National Safety Month, to emphasize its importance and garner maximum engagement.
Out of 126 employees in operations, 108 signed the pledge, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering a safer workplace. To recognize their dedication, each participant received a personalized certificate of commitment and a button to wear, symbolizing their role as active contributors to their safety culture. These tokens not only reinforced the importance of the pledge but also served as visible reminders of their commitment to safety.
By introducing the pledge during National Safety Month and integrating it with recognition elements, Viewrail created a sense of pride and ownership among team members. The Safe at Work Pledge became a key driver of their safety strategy, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and proactive safety practices across the organization.
Rising Star
Primex
Richmond, IN
Primex has been working hard to implement and improve workplace safety and health training in their facility. Front line employees are assigned required safety and health training, but can also opt to attend additional training opportunities for self-development in safety, leadership, and process improvement. Primex partnered with Balmert Safety Consultants to create a safety leadership development program for continuous improvement of the company safety culture. The safety leadership program consists of multiple day training workshops, monthly reinforcement exercises, opportunities of self-improvement, and integrated safety and health knowledge through local adult learning programs and participation in safety conferences and networking meetings.
Primex tracks both leading and lagging indicators of safety performance but also relies on the feedback of the front-line leaders and their employees. Corporate Health, Safety, and Environmental managers conduct semi-annual meetings with site leadership and employees to discuss safety culture and performance through open discussion and feedback. Best practices are shared with all Primex locations through weekly scheduled online meetings.