At our High Point Furniture Branch in High Point, NC, safety isn’t just a protocol – it’s a culture. Under the leadership of Branch Manager Barry Poole and EHS Manager Bill Covert, the team has made remarkable strides in strengthening safety awareness, reporting processes, and employee engagement, all while living out our company value of putting people first.

One standout initiative has been the Environmental Health & Safety Suggestion Incentive Program. Launched in early 2023, the program empowers employees to report hazards and near-misses, recognize unsafe conditions, and suggest improvements – rewarding proactive behavior with monthly and quarterly recognition and incentives. But more than the rewards, it’s built trust. Employees know their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.

By tracking and analyzing incident data, the team identified areas for improvement and acted swiftly. One department reported the most near-misses, not because of more risk, but because of a strong commitment to reporting. This data-driven approach led to targeted “safety stand-downs,” which are focused conversations about stopping unsafe acts and real-time feedback that’s already shifting behaviors.

In just over a year, the results are clear: more reporting, fewer hazards, and a deeper sense of shared responsibility. As Bill said, “Our employees see us putting our money where our mouth is.”

High Point Furniture is setting a powerful example of what it means to care for our people, improve our culture, and ensure everyone goes home safe every day.

Thank you to our colleagues at High Point Furniture for putting people first!