When it comes to safety, simple actions can make a real impact

MCS Influencer Jon Olson says creating a culture and a workforce committed to safety doesn’t have to be complicated. 

Workplace safety is a critical part of our business at the Malco Group. It’s embedded in our culture and viewed as a shared responsibility across our organization. With the right focus and a few simple, consistent actions, it can be for your company as well.

Many of you may be familiar with Malco Tools, which designs and manufactures professional-grade tools used across HVACR, roofing, siding and gutter applications. Many of the tools we make cut, form or fasten sheet metal — a material that can present real risks if not handled properly. While proper training is essential, effective safety requires an environment where everyone takes ownership and accountability.

One of the biggest misconceptions about safety is that improving it requires sweeping change. In reality, it often comes from doing the basics well — and doing them consistently. That focus has made a measurable difference for us. In 2024, Malco earned two of Minnesota’s top safety recognitions: Minnesota STAR (MNSTAR) certification from the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA) and the 2024 Governor’s Safety Award, awarded by the Minnesota Safety Council — validating our commitment to safety.

Creating a culture and a workforce committed to safety doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few habits we've built into our regular business routine that you may want to consider: 

• Observe each other: Most safety improvements often start with simply paying attention. If you notice a coworker straining, awkwardly positioned or working in a way that could lead to an injury, say something.  At Malco, cross-department observations are part of our monthly safety checklist. 
• Communicate to encourage ownership: Communicating safety metrics and goals on a regular basis keeps safety top of mind. Add safety metrics to your regular meetings, so your team understands that it is a priority. These metrics can be simple things like whether the team has completed safety trainings for the year, or how many reportable incidents have occurred.
• Invest in ergonomics: Tools that make it easier to get the job done not only save time and money, but they also prevent injury. For someone in the office, this could be investing in a sit/stand desk. For the field, this often means buying high quality tools that fit the employee. Working with sheet metal not only calls for safe handling, but creating clean cuts with the right tools are safer to handle than jagged cuts produced by inferior tools. Buying tin snips that fit your hands well or using power-assisted tools to avoid repetitive motion is another great example of a simple step to increase safety without breaking the bank. 

Safety is every employee’s responsibility. When it becomes part of how you work — everyone wins.