The latest Synergy Safety Peer Group call centered on one shared challenge: how to keep safety a real priority as work volumes, schedules, and expectations continue to increase.
Members began by discussing their safety priorities for 2026, with injury prevention, especially strains and sprains, topping the list. The conversation reinforced the importance of early intervention, encouraging employees to speak up about pain or discomfort, and maintaining situational awareness through consistent job hazard analysis. While everyone agreed safety matters, many acknowledged how easy it is for it to slip when teams are stretched thin, making repetition and visibility critical.
A large portion of the call focused on safety training and communication. Members shared what has worked, from short daily or monthly safety videos to internal safety committees and technician-led content. The group discussed how bite-sized training, delivered consistently, helps keep safety top of mind without overwhelming teams. There was also conversation around evaluating platforms not just for compliance, but for engagement and ease of use.
Vehicle safety was another major theme. Members compared approaches to preventing backing incidents, monitoring driving behavior, and holding drivers accountable. From physical walk-around reminders to GPS and telematics systems, the discussion highlighted the balance between technology, policy, and culture. Several members also shared how positive reinforcement, such as recognition or small rewards, can be just as effective as corrective action.
The call wrapped with a broader conversation about how safety looks different for service and construction teams. Frequent travel, working alone, and varied job sites create unique risks for service technicians, while construction teams often operate under stricter site-specific requirements. The takeaway was clear: effective safety programs need to reflect those differences while still reinforcing consistent expectations.
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