HSM Solutions' Commitment to Safety: A Q&A for National Safety Month - May 2025
This National Safety Month, we sat down with our Senior EHS Manager, Jeffrey Phillips, to discuss HSM Solutions’ approach to safety, how it’s integrated into our daily operations, and the important role every employee plays in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about HSM's overall approach to safety and why it's so important to the company?
Jeffrey Phillips: At HSM, safety is not just a compliance requirement—it’s a core value that drives everything we do. Our approach to safety is rooted in a proactive, people-first philosophy. We want every employee, regardless of their role, to take ownership of safety—both for themselves and for their coworkers. When employees feel safe, it boosts morale, enhances productivity, and ensures the overall well-being of the organization.
Safety is essential for our ability to deliver high-quality products and services. A safe environment allows our teams to thrive, reducing incidents and increasing the resilience of the entire company.
Q: How does safety factor into HSM's day-to-day operations, and how do we ensure it's integrated into everything we do?
Jeff: Safety is embedded in our daily operations at every level. It’s not treated as a separate initiative—it’s part of how we work. From the first task of the day to the last, safety is woven into every action, every decision, and every process. By integrating safety into everything we do, we ensure that it becomes a constant part of our routine.
We also hold every level of the organization accountable for safety. This means our employees, supervisors, and leadership are all expected to stay engaged in the safety process, ensuring it’s always front of mind.
Q: How has HSM evolved in terms of safety practices over the years?
Jeff: HSM has come a long way in terms of safety. We’ve transitioned from a reactive, compliance-driven model to a proactive, integrated safety culture that emphasizes continuous improvement. As we’ve grown, we've embraced modern technology and data-driven decision-making, engaging employees at every level. The shift from just meeting minimum standards to fostering a truly proactive safety environment has made a significant impact on the company.
Q: What safety programs or initiatives does HSM currently have in place?
Jeff: At HSM, we have several key programs to ensure safety is top of mind:
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Balanced Safety Strategy: We take a holistic approach by integrating safety into all business functions—quality, operations, risk management, and more—making it part of our organizational excellence.
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Employee Engagement and Training: We emphasize continuous, hands-on training. Our employees are empowered to identify hazards, report near misses, and contribute to safety improvements.
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Continuous Improvement and Data-Driven Decision Making: We analyze safety data to spot trends and refine our protocols, ensuring our safety measures evolve with emerging risks.
Q: Can you tell us about any new safety initiatives or improvements we’re focusing on this year?
Jeff: One major initiative this year is revamping our training program. We're making it more engaging, relevant, and hands-on. We’re updating training content and using interactive formats to make the experience more practical. The goal is to ensure every employee walks away feeling confident and empowered to apply safety protocols every day.
Q: What role does the leadership team play in promoting safety within the company?
Jeff: Leadership at HSM plays a critical role in driving safety. By leading by example, setting clear expectations, and allocating the right resources, our leadership team sets the tone for the entire company. They empower employees, promote continuous improvement, and ensure that safety remains a priority.
Q: How can employees contribute to maintaining a safe work environment?
Jeff: Every employee is a vital part of our safety culture. Here’s how they can contribute:
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Follow Safety Procedures: Consistency is key.
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Speak Up: If you see a hazard, report it.
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Participate in Training: Take safety training seriously.
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Look Out for One Another: Safety is a team effort.
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Stay Alert and Aware: Awareness is one of the best tools we have.
Q: What is the process for employees to report safety concerns or suggest improvements?
Jeff: At HSM, we make it easy for employees to report safety concerns. Using our HIS safety platform, employees can document Good Catches, Near Misses, and Incidents. This simple process helps us track issues, follow up, and continuously improve.
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Identify and Observe: Spot a concern.
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Report the Concern: Use the system to report it.
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Document and Follow Up: We take the next steps.
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Continuous Improvement: Every report helps us improve.
Q: How do we ensure that everyone, regardless of position, understands and follows safety protocols?
Jeff: Ensuring universal understanding of safety protocols is achieved through:
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Universal Training from Day One: Every new hire gets safety orientation.
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Ongoing, Role-Specific Education: Training is updated to meet specific job needs.
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Clear, Accessible Communication: We communicate safety expectations across all levels.
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Accountability at All Levels: We hold everyone, from employees to leadership, accountable for following protocols.
Q: What type of training do employees receive to ensure they're up to date on safety practices?
Jeff: We offer a comprehensive training program that includes:
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Onboarding Safety Training: New hires learn the basics.
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Job-Specific Safety Protocols: Employees receive training tailored to their roles.
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Refresher Courses: Ongoing training ensures employees stay up to date.
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Toolbox Talks and Safety Briefings: Regular discussions reinforce safe practices.
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Specialized Training: For specific roles like maintenance or logistics, we provide more detailed training.
Q: What are HSM's safety goals for the next year?
Jeff: Moving forward, we’re focused on continuing to improve our safety culture and the technologies we use. We aim to explore wearable safety tech, mobile reporting apps, and more advanced safety analytics. Our goal is to make safety even more integrated and proactive, leveraging new tools to support our teams.
Closing Thoughts
Safety at HSM is a shared responsibility, and every employee plays an integral role in maintaining a safe work environment. As we celebrate National Safety Month, we’re reminded that safety isn’t just a policy—it’s part of who we are. From leadership to our frontline workers, safety is embedded in every part of our culture, and we are constantly working to improve. Let’s continue to work together, stay engaged, and prioritize safety every day.
Thank you to Mr. Phillips and the entire team for your ongoing commitment to safety at HSM Solutions!