For Thermal-Tec, safety is the foundation of their operations and plays a critical role in their success. This commitment to creating a secure work environment has earned Thermal-Tec recognition as a finalist for the 2025 Safety Award of Excellence in the trade contractor category. With their innovative practices and focus on inclusivity and continuous improvement, Thermal-Tec has built a reputation as a leader in safety excellence.
For Thermal-Tec, safety begins with involvement. Their inclusive team approach ensures that everyone, from installers on the ground to sales and administrative staff, has a voice in improving safety standards. By encouraging open, collaborative discussions about safety, they create a company-wide sense of accountability and ownership.
This proactive, inclusive approach gives employees the confidence to share their ideas for safety solutions. Whether it’s a tip from someone on the field team or a suggestion from leadership, every idea matters and gets taken seriously. This kind of teamwork builds a culture where safety is part of daily life.
Thermal-Tec’s RADAR program is a key initiative designed to improve workplace safety through greater team awareness and accountability. RADAR stands for Recognize, Assess, Develop, Act, and Report, providing employees with a simple and effective framework to identify and address potential hazards.
The RADAR program encourages employees to keep their “radar” switched on at all times, identifying risks, evaluating necessary actions, and making improvements as needed. This simple, hands-on process turns safety into a daily responsibility and reinforces the belief that real safety starts with each individual.
Thermal-Tec rolled out new standards to ensure ladders stay stable and workers have the right tools to prevent slips or movement. Plus, they’re offering hands-on training to show employees exactly how to set up and use ladders safely.
This focus on one of the most common hazards trade contractors face shows just how much Thermal-Tec cares about going beyond OSHA compliance to prioritize employee well-being.
- Falls: Thermal-Tec prioritizes fall prevention with a robust fall protection plan that includes daily site inspections, improved ladder safety protocols, and consistent training for all employees. Workers are equipped with personal fall protection equipment such as harnesses and lanyards, and the company actively reinforces best practices through hands-on workshops and routine evaluations.
- Electrocution: To keep everyone safe, Thermal-Tec takes extra care around electrical equipment. They thoroughly inspect everything and follow strict rules to stay safe near power lines. By working closely with building owners, we make sure any nearby power sources are turned off or handled before starting a job.
- Struck-By Incidents: Thermal-Tec keeps everyone safer by reducing struck-by hazards. How? With traffic management plans, clear vehicle pathways, regular equipment checks, and high-visibility gear for the team.
- Caught-In/Between Hazards: To prevent caught-in/between hazards, Thermal-Tec focuses on proper equipment training and clear communication in high-risk areas. The company encourages employees to report potential risks or near misses immediately, emphasizing that open and proactive communication is key to maintaining safety for everyone.
Thermal-Tec’s safety program is built on a foundation of data and proactive analysis. By leveraging leading indicators, they identify potential risks before they escalate into incidents. Their near-miss reporting system, for example, encourages employees to identify and document potential hazards, offering valuable insights into corrective measures.
To further enhance safety, the company monitors training completion rates carefully. One critical requirement is that all new hires complete their OSHA 10 training before stepping onto a job site, ensuring a baseline level of preparedness from day one.
Thermal-Tec regularly runs safety audits to check for compliance and spot any hazards. They use what they learn to update training, tweak safety protocols, and stay on track with their safety goals. Weekly toolbox talks and monthly safety meetings keep everyone in the loop, showing that open communication is key to building a strong safety culture.
Unlike many trade contractors who work alongside general contractors, Thermal-Tec partners directly with building owners. These partnerships involve strict adherence to client-specific safety requirements, which often exceed OSHA standards.
Building owners in industries like steel and aluminum manufacturing enforce rigorous site-specific safety protocols, including daily job site audits, weekly equipment inspections, and detailed roof access and rescue plans. By aligning Thermal-Tec’s safety plans with these high expectations, the company consistently goes above and beyond to protect its team.
Thermal-Tec’s adaptability and willingness to exceed regulatory minimums position the company as a trusted partner in delivering both secure operations and high-quality results.
At Thermal-Tec, safety is all about continuous improvement. Every year, the leadership team meets with on-site supervisors to review progress, set new safety goals, and identify areas for improvement. Plus, daily check-ins with supervisors keep the conversation going so they can tackle safety concerns, share needs, and celebrate wins in real time.
Employee engagement further amplifies the company’s safety efforts. A standout initiative is the monthly “Thank You” program, where employees who demonstrate exceptional safety practices are recognized by their peers. The chosen individual receives a bonus, a spotlight on the employee board, and company-wide acknowledgement for their contributions. This program shows how important it is to recognize your peers and encourages safe behaviors through positive reinforcement.
Thermal-Tec’s innovative, inclusive, and proactive approach to safety demonstrates that strong safety standards can coexist with operational excellence. By ensuring every employee feels valued and engaged, they have built a safety culture that elevates individuals, teams, and the organization as a whole.