Sobie Company’s commitment to safety goes far beyond compliance—it is a core value that drives every decision the company makes. This dedication has earned them a well-deserved spot as a finalist for the 2025 Safety Award of Excellence in the trade contractor category. Through innovative practices, data-driven improvements, and a collective effort from employees at all levels, Sobie has set a standard for safety in the industry.
Learning From the Past to Shape a Safer Future
At Sobie, every incident, no matter how minor, is treated as an opportunity to learn and improve. A recent injury on a job site involving a cut on an employee’s thumb highlighted several key areas for growth in their safety strategy. Rather than placing blame, the incident sparked a deep evaluation of their existing protocols and equipment.
One big takeaway was the need for more comfortable and easy-to-use PPE. Sobie’s safety committee jumped into action, revamping the PPE supply process, making sure protective gear was always available on-site, and upgrading everything to meet new employee-focused standards for comfort, accessibility, and protection.
They also noticed the need for better first aid readiness. To tackle this, Sobie switched to kits with clearly sectioned compartments and added emergency medical bags to foremen’s vehicles for serious injuries.
Harnessing Technology for Safety Excellence
Sobie Company knows how powerful technology can be when it comes to improving safety. That’s why, over the past two years, they’ve rolled out a state-of-the-art app to track safety metrics and keep everyone on the same page. The platform collects data from jobsite inspection forms, near-miss reports, injury logs, and incident analyses, integrating it into Microsoft Power BI for real-time tracking and analysis.
Power BI has become an essential tool for spotting trends and setting clear goals. For example, when recurring safety issues popped up, targeted training was rolled out right away to fix the problem. This proactive approach shows a real dedication to managing risks effectively before they get out of hand.
The insights gained from their technological advancements also inform long-term improvement strategies. By analyzing safety trends over time, their safety committee can plan annual goals and deploy training programs based on recurring issues. This forward-thinking approach ensures every employee benefits from a safer working environment.
Tackling OSHA’s Focus Four Hazards
Sobie Company’s dedication to safety is evident in their approach to mitigating OSHA’s Focus Four hazards—falls, struck-by incidents, caught-in/between accidents, and electrocution. By using the hierarchy of controls, they take a proactive approach to address these risks right at the source.
For example, near-miss reports showed that abrasive blades were shattering while cutting steel studs—a serious safety risk. So, Sobie switched to a different blade, which completely got rid of this hazard. Investing in safer tools like this not only cuts down on risks but also shows how much Sobie values giving their team the best equipment available.
Beyond just removing hazards, good training programs focus on the hierarchy of controls so employees don’t have to rely solely on personal protective gear. These sessions dive into key topics like fall protection, lockout/tagout procedures, and trenching safety, making sure everyone feels confident and ready to handle jobsite challenges.
Collaboration That Elevates Industry Standards
A standout feature of Sobie Company’s safety culture is their emphasis on collaboration, particularly with general contractors (GCs) and other trade partners. Before kicking off a project, Sobie works closely with the GC to create a detailed Jobsite Specific Safety Plan. This ensures everyone’s on the same page when it comes to safety protocols. The plan combines the GC’s safety policies with Sobie’s own standards, making everything clear and consistent for the whole team.
Regular jobsite inspections help Sobie catch and address risks early. The findings are also shared with the GC, creating a sense of accountability and teamwork. Additionally, Sobie’s safety director often leads joint safety meetings and training sessions, sharing expert insights that help everyone on-site level up their safety game.
This collaborative approach goes beyond individual projects. Sobie has been an active participant in the ABC Western Michigan Safety Committee, driving initiatives that improve safety for all member organizations. One such project involved creating customizable safety templates for smaller trade partners, enabling them to establish robust safety protocols regardless of their size or experience.
Empowering Employees Through Mentorship and Training
One of the challenges Sobie faces as a drywall and interior finishing contractor is hiring workers without formal construction training. To tackle this, they’ve created a mentorship program that pairs new employees with seasoned professionals. This approach accelerates skill development, instills best practices, and fosters a culture of accountability.
At Sobie, safety is integrated into every aspect of the company, beginning with a comprehensive onboarding process. From safety orientation to hands-on training, new team members are equipped with the tools needed to identify and manage risks. Sobie’s dedication to educating and empowering its workforce has resulted in significant improvements in safety metrics, including reduced Total Recordable Incident Rates (TRIR) and fewer Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART).
A Collective Effort, A Safer Workplace
What sets Sobie apart is their ability to turn individual challenges into collective solutions. The Sobie safety committee, made up of both leaders and field employees, is key to keeping things moving forward. If you have a safety idea or suggestion, the team reviews, discusses, and works together to put it into action. It’s a clear and open process that builds trust and keeps everyone engaged.
Their heat illness prevention program actually started as an idea from a field employee. After lots of discussion in the safety committee, it grew into a full strategy with training, medical tips, and regular monitoring. It’s a great example of how everyone at Sobie has a voice and plays a part in making safety a success.
Leading by Example
At Sobie, safety is about truly caring for their employees, their families, and the community. They focus on education, teamwork, and smart tools like Power BI to build a culture where everyone takes part in keeping each other safe.
Sobie proves that even small changes can make a big difference, setting a benchmark for excellence through continuous improvement, collective effort, and innovative practices that inspire others in the industry. Their safety culture goes beyond preventing injuries or incidents—it’s about creating a workplace where every employee feels empowered, valued, and safe, making them deserving finalists for the 2025 Safety Award of Excellence.
