At TEAM, safety is more than a priority—it’s a commitment embedded in our company culture.
As an industrial cleaning and facility management company, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees, clients, and the environments in which we operate. This commitment is embodied in two flagship programs: the TEAM Safety Badge and FELT Leadership Program. These initiatives are designed to create a safety-first culture, empower employees to lead by example, and set TEAM apart as a leader in safety innovation.
What Are The TEAM Safety Badge And FELT Leadership Programs?
The TEAM Safety Badge and FELT Leadership Programs work in tandem to ensure that every TEAM employee is equipped with the knowledge, tools, and empowerment to prioritize safety in the workplace. These programs not only help to minimize workplace accidents and incidents but also encourage a proactive approach to safety leadership.
- TEAM Safety Badge: A personalized badge that every TEAM employee carries, featuring a QR code for instant access to their safety credentials, certifications, and training records. This badge serves as a constant reminder of each employee’s role in maintaining a safe work environment. The updated TEAM Safety Badge includes enhanced language that reinforces every employee’s right to refuse unsafe work. With the statement, “We will not perform any work unless we can do it safely, no matter what!” it’s a clear reminder of TEAM’s unwavering commitment to safety.
- FELT Leadership Program: FELT stands for “Frontline Engagement Leadership Training,” a program that encourages all employees, from entry-level staff to senior management, to take active roles in safety leadership. This program fosters open communication, problem-solving, and continuous learning to improve safety practices.
Together, these programs represent TEAM’s holistic approach to workplace safety, blending technology, leadership development, and employee engagement.
Why The TEAM Safety Badge And FELT Leadership Matter
Safety is everyone’s responsibility, but TEAM believes in creating systems that actively support and empower employees to uphold this responsibility. Our safety programs are vital for several reasons:
- Promotes A Safety-First Culture: By giving employees the tools to prioritize safety and communicate openly about safety concerns, we foster a culture where everyone feels responsible for the well-being of themselves and others.
- Real-Time Access To Credentials: The QR code on the TEAM Safety Badge allows anyone—whether a supervisor, client, or colleague—to instantly verify an employee’s safety training and certifications. This transparency ensures that all employees are up-to-date and compliant with safety standards, reducing the risk of incidents.
- Encourages Proactive Leadership: The FELT Leadership Program is about empowering employees to be leaders in safety. Through the FELT Leadership Program, we empower employees to take charge of safety, fostering a culture where every team member has the right to stop work if they feel unsafe. Employees play an active role in identifying hazards, suggesting improvements, and mentoring others in safe practices. Here’s how we encourage this:
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- Your Right to Stop Work: If you notice a safety hazard or feel something is wrong, you are empowered to stop any task or activity to maintain a safe workplace.
- How to Stop Work Safely: Communicate safety concerns to your supervisor, document the issue when possible, and follow established procedures to ensure safety concerns are addressed properly.
This proactive approach drives a strong, safety-first environment at TEAM.
Recent Updates And Innovations In Safety
At TEAM, we are always looking for ways to improve our safety programs. In response to employee feedback and industry trends, we have made significant updates to both the Safety Badge and FELT Leadership Program.
1. Safety Badge Updates
We have recently updated the TEAM Safety Badge to include more explicit language on employee rights. For example, the phrase “if unsafe” has been changed to “can refuse work if it is unsafe.” This change reinforces our commitment to empowering employees to take action when they identify unsafe conditions.
The badge’s QR code has also been enhanced to provide real-time access to an employee’s training records, which can be scanned by any mobile device. This feature ensures that all employees’ safety credentials are easily accessible, facilitating transparency and accountability across the board.
2. FELT Leadership Program Expansion
The FELT Leadership Program is being rolled out across all TEAM sites, with full integration expected by December. One of the new components of this program is Safety Days—dedicated days for meetings, employee Q&A sessions, and discussions about best safety practices. These events also include corporate lunches, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
Safety Days are designed to give employees a voice in safety discussions, encouraging them to provide input on how to improve workplace safety. By engaging employees at all levels through team activities and lunches, we ensure that our safety procedures are constantly evolving and improving.
Safety Committee Meetings are a vital part of our proactive safety strategy. Held regularly, these meetings bring together executives, managers, and frontline employees to review safety performance, discuss incidents, and identify areas for improvement. By fostering open dialogue, we ensure that safety concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
Each meeting provides an opportunity to share best practices, analyze trends, and set actionable goals for enhancing workplace safety. The inclusion of diverse perspectives—from leadership to the shop floor—ensures that our safety protocols are comprehensive, practical, and tailored to the specific needs of each site. This collaborative approach not only strengthens our safety culture but also empowers employees to take ownership of safety outcomes, driving continuous improvement across the organization.
A New Hybrid Model For Safety Training
One of the biggest changes in TEAM’s safety programs is the move to a hybrid training model. Previously, all safety training was conducted in person, but now employees can access training online through the DSS+ platform. This platform allows employees to complete their safety training at any time, from any location, making it easier for everyone to stay compliant with safety protocols.
24/7 Accessibility: The shift to digital means that employees can access safety training and resources whenever they need them. Whether they are new hires or experienced team members, the TEAM Safety OS/LMS (Operating System, Learning Management System) ensures that safety education is always at their fingertips.
Mandatory Onboarding: All new hires are required to complete the TEAM Safety Badge and FELT Leadership Program training within the first two weeks of employment. This ensures that every TEAM employee starts with a strong foundation in safety.
The Safety Hero Program: Recognizing Excellence In Safety
In addition to the TEAM Safety Badge and FELT Leadership Program, TEAM has introduced the Safety Hero Program, which recognizes employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment to safety. Each month, one employee is awarded the title of Safety Hero for their dedication to maintaining a safe work environment.
A Safety Hero exemplifies values such as:
- Reporting safety concerns in good faith
- Following safety protocols and wearing required PPE
- Encouraging others to follow safe practices and providing mentorship
- Keeping work areas clean and organized to avoid hazards
By recognizing employees who go above and beyond in promoting safety, TEAM encourages all staff to strive for excellence in their safety practices.
How TEAM Stands Apart: A Safety-First Culture
While many companies implement safety programs, TEAM’s Safety Badge and FELT Leadership Program go beyond industry norms by integrating real-time digital access, employee engagement, and leadership development. Here’s how we distinguish ourselves:
Seamless Digital Integration: With the QR-coded Safety Badge, safety records are accessible to anyone with a mobile device. This instant access ensures full transparency and simplifies compliance checks, setting us apart from competitors who rely on traditional paper-based records.
Engaging Safety Leadership: Unlike many safety programs that focus solely on compliance, FELT promotes active engagement and leadership. Our employees don’t just follow safety rules—they help create them.
Proven Results: The introduction of the TEAM Safety Badge and FELT Leadership Program has already led to a 25% reduction in incidents across all sites. This demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach and underscores the importance of empowering employees to take ownership of safety.
Comprehensive Safety Training: With the launch of our hybrid training model, safety education is more accessible than ever. Employees can complete mandatory safety training anytime, whether they are on-site or remote, ensuring that everyone remains informed and ready to work safely.
The Future Of Safety At TEAM
As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, TEAM is planning further updates and improvements to our programs:
- Safety Badge Enhancements: We are considering adding more features to the Safety Badge, including additional safety campaign information and more explicit language to support employee rights.
- Television Displays: We are exploring the idea of displaying safety-related content on television screens at all TEAM sites to keep safety top-of-mind for all employees.
- Expanding The Safety Hero Program: We will continue to expand and promote the Safety Hero Program across all sites, recognizing employees who exemplify a commitment to safety and leadership.
Setting The Standard In Safety
At TEAM, safety is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a culture of empowerment and leadership. The TEAM Safety Badge, FELT Leadership Program, and Safety Hero Program are integral to this mission. By providing employees with the tools, training, and recognition they need to prioritize safety, TEAM continues to set the standard for workplace safety in the industrial cleaning and facility management industry.
With ongoing updates and a focus on continuous improvement, TEAM’s safety initiatives are not only protecting employees but also fostering a culture where safety leadership thrives.