Safety and Success: Mike Frick's Journey | Episode 17

The Recognition Factor: Transforming Workplace Culture | A Scratchie Podcast

What if improving safety performance could actually boost your profits rather than drag them down? Mike Frick's remarkable journey proves exactly that.
From his early days in construction where he learned safety fundamentals from his father ("not losing my fingers was my incentive") to running teams with zero accidents and industry-leading profit margins, Mike shares the practical wisdom that transformed his approach to workplace safety.
The turning point came after attending OSHA training, where Mike initially felt overwhelmed by regulations. "By the time I got out, I didn't want to be in business anymore because I had to abide by all these rules," he recalls. But a mentor showed him how integrating safety planning into daily operations could actually enhance performance rather than hinder it.
Mike's secret weapon? Human connection. "I make sure that they know that I care for them," he explains of his leadership philosophy. This simple approach created an environment where workers followed safety protocols out of mutual respect rather than fear. The results speak for themselves – while managing projects for Kiewit Construction, Mike maintained zero accidents while simultaneously delivering the highest profit margins in the company.
Now leading Bear Ironworks, Mike applies these principles in manufacturing, addressing the unique challenges of repetitive tasks through innovative incentive programs. Rather than punishing unsafe behavior, he rewards safe practices, aligning workers' immediate interests with their long-term wellbeing.
Whether you're in construction, manufacturing, or any safety-critical industry, Mike's experiences offer a blueprint for building a safety culture that enhances rather than hinders performance. Listen now to discover how genuine care combined with thoughtful incentives can transform workplace safety while boosting your bottom line.

Ready to take the next step? Visit https://www.scratchie.com/book-a-demo to see how Scratchie can help you recognise and reward safe behaviour on your projects. The future of construction safety starts here.

Fejezetek

1. Mike's Journey Into Safety (00:00:00)

2. Learning to Make Safety Practical (00:05:23)

3. Connecting with Workers Drives Success (00:10:57)

4. Manufacturing vs Construction Safety (00:16:35)

5. The Power of Positive Incentives (00:22:33)

6. Future of Safety and Key Learnings (00:31:44)

7. Final Thoughts: Always Say Something (00:38:25)