ASTEC Safety
ASTEC Safety: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
How Culture, Integrity, and Strategy Transformed a Leader in Safety Based in Alberta, ASTEC Safety Inc. has earned a solid reputation in workplace safety training, equipment services, and compliance solutions, particularly known for its Ground Disturbance Course and its dedication to enhancing safety performance throughout Western Canada. However, by 2015, the company was grappling with significant financial and operational hurdles, despite its strong standing and loyal clientele.
When investor Jeff Mulligan stepped in with a vision to revamp the company’s foundation by fostering a culture of accountability and a fresh financial strategy. His aim was to guide ASTEC towards becoming a data-driven, safety-oriented organization poised for long-term success and industry leadership.
A Leadership Team Committed to Hands-On Safety and Culture
In 2016, Mulligan welcomed new investors Grant Klippenstein and Vern Fallscheer, creating a leadership team focused on transforming ASTEC from the ground up. They rolled out a new leadership model that emphasized transparency, teamwork, and operational efficiency.
This approach was both personal and practical. Vern Fallscheer, the vice president of service and safety rentals, was frequently spotted working alongside staff, whether it was painting parking lots or clearing snow before dawn.
“We do what needs to be done,” Fallscheer remarked. “If something needs attention, we jump in and tackle it together as a team.”
This hands-on commitment resonated with employees at all levels. Amanda Unrau, who has been ASTEC’s Finance Manager since 2007, observed, “The owners are here every day, involved in every aspect of the business. That kind of leadership fosters trust and accountability.”
Clients noticed the change, too. Reg Bayko, Safety Manager at Precision Contractors, said, “ASTEC feels like family now. You can talk to anyone, and everyone is approachable and eager to help.”
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), organizations with strong safety cultures can reduce workplace incidents by up to 70% compared to those with weaker cultures.
Building a Strong Safety Culture Through Inclusion
The new leadership recognized that a genuine safety culture thrives on collaboration rather than just orders from above. They made it a priority to encourage employees at all levels to voice their ideas and take part in decision-making processes.
During gap mapping sessions, employees compared ASTEC’s performance with that of top-performing organizations and brainstormed ways to keep improving. This hands-on involvement fostered a sense of ownership and boosted morale.
“When people feel included, they care more about the outcome,” Unrau pointed out. “It’s not just management calling the shots; it’s the entire team working together.”
Mulligan added, “If you’re a plan-driven organization, your plan should be front and center for your team every single day, not just brought up in meetings.”
This inclusive approach helped unite employees around a common goal and reinforced ASTEC’s mission to create safer workplaces through teamwork and integrity.
In fact, research from Gallup and OSHA shows that companies with high employee engagement experience 41% lower absenteeism and 70% fewer safety incidents.
Financial Recovery and Long-Term Growth
ASTEC’s impressive financial turnaround was all about discipline and transparency. The company made it a priority to pay vendors on time, ensure employees received their wages, and reinvest in growth. “Even when vendors give us 30-day terms, we try to pay early,” Unrau shared. “It helps us maintain strong relationships and keeps our operations running smoothly.”
The leadership team also rolled out a Retirement Savings Program with matching contributions and introduced performance-based incentives to recognize and reward employee commitment.
By 2017, ASTEC successfully bounced back from financial struggles and established a sustainable business model that emphasizes continuous improvement, employee engagement, and financial resilience.
Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2024) show that businesses prioritizing financial transparency and employee well-being report a 19% higher retention rate and 12% increase in productivity.
Improving Efficiency and Enhancing Customer Value
To regain stability and boost profitability, the leadership team zeroed in on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. They trimmed unnecessary costs, automated manual tasks, and streamlined workflows, allowing employees to concentrate on high-value safety services.
Understanding the rising significance of digital learning and online safety training, Chris Richards, an ASTEC instructor who started on the shop floor, took the lead in developing custom eLearning modules. These digital safety courses enabled clients to meet compliance requirements effectively while saving time and resources.
“Chris has really taken our eLearning capabilities to the next level,” Mulligan remarked. “He’s helped position ASTEC as a frontrunner in online safety education.”
ASTEC’s clients echoed this sentiment. Reg Bayko commented, “Courses like H2S and Ground Disturbance are getting more complex. ASTEC’s team supports us every step of the way, making training more effective and engaging.”
According to OSHA’s 2024 report, companies investing in digital safety training see a 43% improvement in compliance completion rates and a 32% reduction in injury-related costs.
Innovation and the Future of Safety Training
Today, ASTEC is still pushing the envelope with innovation. The company is diving into blended learning models that mix in-class practical training with online safety courses and virtual reality simulations, creating more engaging learning experiences.
“This is an exciting new chapter for us,” Unrau expressed. “We can finally shift our focus from just day-to-day operations to building the future of safety training.”
Fallscheer emphasized that the company’s customer-first approach hasn’t changed. “We’re always asking our clients what they need and how we can assist,” he said. “If we can’t provide the solution ourselves, we’ll connect them with someone who can. That’s what true partnership is all about.”
According to a 2024 report by the National Safety Council, VR-based training improves retention rates by 75% compared to traditional training methods.
Lessons from ASTEC’s Transformation
ASTEC’s journey shows us that leadership, culture, and strategy are essential for achieving long-term success in the health and safety industry. Jeff Mulligan pointed out, “It’s not always about the ideas; it’s about how you bring them to life.” By prioritizing inclusion, efficiency, and customer value, ASTEC has created a model that encourages innovation instead of resisting change. When leadership asked employees what would make them proud to wear the ASTEC logo, the response was unanimous: they wanted to become a world-class safety organization. Through teamwork and empowerment, ASTEC has accomplished just that, a workplace where everyone feels valued, motivated, and united by a shared goal. “When people realize they can make a difference every day, work takes on a whole new meaning,” Mulligan said.
As per OSHA’s 2024 Annual Review, companies with structured safety leadership frameworks experience a 37% decrease in total recordable incident rates (TRIR) compared to those without (OSHA, 2024).
Key Takeaways
- Empowering employees fuels innovation and engagement
- Inclusive leadership fosters ownership and accountability
- Financial discipline rebuilds stability and trust
- Investing in people and technology paves the way for sustainable growth
- Innovative safety training enhances client relationships
ASTEC Safety’s story serves as a powerful reminder that with vision, collaboration, and purpose, even the toughest challenges can lead to remarkable transformation.
According to OSHA and NSC, organizations implementing proactive safety measures can save up to $4 for every $1 invested in prevention efforts.
References:
- National Safety Council (NSC). (2024). Safety Culture and Organizational Performance Report. https://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/safety-culture
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2024). Employee Engagement and Safety Outcomes Study. https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/national/2024
- OSHA Workplace Injury and Training Data. (2024). Digital Training Effectiveness Report. https://www.osha.gov/data
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2024). Workplace Productivity and Retention Insights. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/prod2.nr0.htm
- National Safety Council (NSC). (2024). Safety Technology Review: Virtual Reality Training Impact. https://www.nsc.org/newsroom/vr-training-safety
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2024). Annual Safety and Health Review: Leadership & TRIR Reduction. https://www.osha.gov/safety-management
- National Safety Council (NSC). (2024). Cost of Safety and ROI Report. https://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/safety-roi
