Oct. 14, 2021

This paid piece is sponsored by Concrete Materials.

Here’s something not many new hires can say:

“I was hired to punch holes in rock!” said Dave Olson, who joined Concrete Materials more than two years ago after working as a driller for a geotechnical engineering firm.

Olson, who made the move “looking for a change of pace,” has found it’s the right place for him.

“I was hired to be a driller in the quarry, but I was soon doing different things, driving a haul truck, filling in on the maintenance ground crew, driving a skid steer and then was promoted to plant operator,” he said.

For the past year and a half, he has been a plant operator in the quarry.

“I am looking forward to a long career at Concrete Materials,” Olson said. “My next goal is to become a supervisor. I plan to be here as long as they will have me.”

Not long after joining the company, its top priority became clear.

“Safety is No. 1 at Concrete Materials,” Olson said.

“Before I was able to enter the quarry mine, I had to have four hours of orientation to mining training. I had to complete 24 hours of mining safety and health administration training within 90 days of starting work and be mentored by a senior miner.”

And it wasn’t just about getting him ready for the role. Olson and his team start every day with a safety review before the plant is fired up.

“I have a lot of confidence in my team that we look out for each other and communicate by radio constantly,” Olson said.

“The culture at Concrete Materials is that they take a lot of pride in safety, and safety is top priority. There is a commitment to producing the best possible product for the customer in the safest manner.”

That’s a commitment that starts with top leadership, said Candy Klingensmith, safety resource manager.

“We value safety No. 1. There’s no exceptions,” she said. “We never stop teaching, coaching and training safety or (teaching) any job task that requires constant training.”

In the past several years, the approach has evolved, and a culture of safety has continued to build, she added.

“You have to make safety inviting and fun and a team environment,” she said. “It’s a different mindset.”

Concrete Materials also communicates that safety is something team members should live on and off the job site, said Kevin Goembel, whose 43-year career with the company has included leading safety efforts.

“There’s been a lot of development and technology that improves safety in our industry,” he said. “But the thing about safety is it doesn’t stop at the end of the workday. So we talk about the importance, for instance, of wearing hearing protection when mowing your lawn. Are you wearing safety glasses doing projects at home? Thinking safety 24/7 is what helps that culture spread.”

It also reflects in real, important ways in the workplace. Concrete Materials has seen increased retention and decreased reportable incidents and injuries as its strong safety culture has taken root.

“It all starts with building relationships,” Klingensmith said. “Our mentality is we’re a team no matter what position you’re in and it takes everyone to do the job and get it done right. When you’re working safe, production and quality follow.”

It’s something team members like Olson have witnessed firsthand.

“I would just tell anyone looking for a career change, you can do really well at Concrete Materials,” he said. “I enjoy working 12-plus-hour shifts during our busy season, and it balances out in the off-season. There is plenty of opportunity!”

To find your next opportunity at Concrete Materials, click here. 

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