A proper safety training program should have an immediate impact on safety performance. That’s why we’re so pleased when our clients report measurable boosts in their safety metrics right after implementing SafeStart.

Vermeer Manufacturing is one of our clients celebrating early safety gains.  Here at SafeStart we’ve seen first-hand evidence of the new safety culture at Vermeer, as one of its employees won one of the SafeStart Home grand prizes.

And according to Terry Butler, Vermeer’s Director EHS and Benefits, after their first year of implementation the company is experiencing concrete improvements :

We are consistently seeing improved performance over the same period last year. Our intentional focus and our comprehensive approach to involving all levels of the organization from [Vermeer Corporation President and CEO] Mary [Andringa] to the shop floor are paying dividends.
– Terry Butler, Director EHS and Benefits, Vermeer Manufacturing

The numbers support Terry’s observations. Vermeer has already experienced a 30% reduction in recordable injuries. With a five-year goal of reducing the overall incident rate by about 35%, the company is 85% of the way there—and still has four years left!

However, Terry notes that “the true test will be twelve months from now as our 52 week rolling average starts to drop lower and lower.”

We look forward to hearing about Vermeer’s continued safety improvements in the future and congratulate everyone at the company for their successes thus far.