 Left to right: L&I risk management consultant, Karla Tuttle, presents the START certificate to the crew at Gordon Truck Centers, Matt Mathison, parts manager, Matt Gosselin, technician, Dan Speck, regional operations director, Stephanie Rodriguez, safety coordinator and parts warehouse supervisor, and Curtis Davis, parts counterman.
The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) recognizes businesses that dedicate time and attention to improving their workplace safety culture and reduce hazards, injuries and illnesses.
Gordon Truck Centers is an example of a company that is at the top of their safety game earning Safety Through Achieving Recognition Together (START) certification from L&I.
The company began its safety journey in 2018 after L&I risk management consultant, Karla Tuttle, received a referral from an L&I consultant who’d been working with Gordon Truck Centers on its safety program. The consultant said Gordon Trucks Centers was exemplary where it involves safety matters and would be a perfect candidate for L&I’s START program.
After three years of Tuttle working directly with Dan Speck, regional operations director of Gordon Truck Centers, his patience, cooperation and persistence paid off and the company was awarded START certification last month.
“Our employees are our most valuable asset,” said Speck. “We take their safety very seriously and that’s why we decided to partner with L&I to help us become START certified. It’s a great honor and recognition,” he said.
The program offers these benefits to employers:
- Reduce worker compensation insurance premiums;
- Increase worker retention;
- Reduce the number of missed workdays to keep your operations consistent and cost effective;
- Protect workers from workplace health and safety hazards;
- Work with L&I experts to identify and implement safety/health best practices;
- Develop a custom injury and illness prevention program;
- In cooperation with workers, develop a safer and healthier work environment;
- Improve communications throughout all levels of your workplace; and
- Spread the safety and health message and habits to the surrounding community.
If you’d like your company to be considered for the START program, contact Pam.cant@lni.wa.gov or call (425) 290-1369.
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