Congratulations to Joe Searl, Senior Director of HSE, Michels Utility Services, Inc., for being named 2022 Safety Director of the Year by the Distribution Contractors Association.
Maintaining the health and safety of our people and everyone on or near construction projects is a rigorous and critical responsibility. Joe makes sure crews at Michels Utility Services, Inc. and the Michels Family of Companies receive the support, training and tools they need to work safely. At the same time, he helps the industry focus on prevention and mitigation of incidents. Joe and his team helped reduce the number of employee injuries in 2022, cutting the total recordable incident rate (TRIR) by 15 percent. He also used a three-pronged approach of training, communication and accountability to reduce preventable motor vehicle incidents by 80 percent in 2022 compared to previous years.
Joe has been honing his HSE skills and demonstrating his commitment throughout his career. He entered the construction industry as a laborer and advanced to a foreman before switching to a safety-specific role with Michels in 2012.
Joe supports safety efforts beyond Michels by sharing his insights into safety management systems during panel discussions at DCA, America Gas Association (AGA) and other industry events.
Michels is proud to actively participate in DCA to continuously advance the industry for the good of all involved in it. Having our people recognized by industry associations is a great honor and a tradition we are proud to continue. Nate Healy, Senior Director of HSE, Michels Energy Group, received the DCA Safety Director of the Year Award in 2020.
