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!

At Elite Comfort Solutions in Verona, Mississippi, safety isn’t just a policy – it’s a core part of the culture. Recently, the team proudly celebrated an outstanding milestone: 365 days without a recordable injury.

ECS Verona credits their success to several key efforts, including strong housekeeping practices, routine safety walks, and a culture of accountability where everyone looks out for one another. Team members actively engage in identifying and reporting near-misses, which are reviewed and analyzed to prevent potential incidents.

“We were happy but cautious when we hit the milestone,” said Brandy Abbott, Regional EHS Manager. “Everyone is excited, but we know staying vigilant is key.”

Leaders play a vital role in maintaining diligence and safety success. From recognizing safe behavior on the floor to modeling safe practices, supervisors and managers have created an environment where safety is a shared responsibility.

“A standout example of employee engagement was when a supervisor coached a new forklift driver, reinforcing best practices and building confidence through one-on-one mentoring,” said Brandy.

This safety milestone reflects Verona’s commitment to creating a workplace where team members feel safe, supported, and empowered to prioritize wellbeing.

Congratulations, Verona, on this incredible accomplishment!

Precision Hydraulic Cylinders in Chennai, India, recently hosted National Safety Day, and this year, participation soared to 78%, up from 47% in 2021, thanks to the commitment of our people!

With engaging new initiatives like a PPE fashion show, hazard spot identification, and a firefighting competition, employees take safety to heart while having fun. Participants were also recognized with rewards for their involvement and enthusiasm.

This growing engagement reflects how we’re putting people first and making safety not just a priority, but a core part of our culture.

Thanks to everyone at PCH – Chennai!