A “Good Catch” for Safety

icon Mechanical, a contractor based in Granite City, Illinois, was named the 2024 Safety Innovation Award winner by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA). This honor was for the company’s “Good Catch” program, which empowers employees to identify and report potential hazards before they become safety incidents. 

At SMACNA’s 2024 Annual Convention, icon Mechanical’s Senior Vice President Paul Klaus and Safety Director Joe Shryock, shared insights into the company’s safety culture and the initiatives that have made their workplaces safer. “Safety is not just a policy at icon Mechanical; it’s a core value that guides every decision we make,” Klaus emphasizes.

One of icon Mechanical’s standout safety initiatives is the “Good Catch” program, which leverages technology to engage employees in hazard prevention. The program features QR codes strategically placed on Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), at Toolbox Safety Talks (TBSTs), and throughout project sites, allowing employees to report real-time safety observations.  

This proactive approach ensures that potential dangers are addressed quickly, reducing risks before accidents occur. When the program was launched, the company received over 300 safety submissions, helping them surpass 1.5 million work hours without a lost-time incident in 2023.  Since then, they have increased the submissions to over 1,200, allowing them to continue to grow their safety program. “We are deeply honored to receive the SMACNA Safety Innovator of the Year Award,” Shryock states. “This recognition reflects our steadfast dedication to safety and our commitment to pioneering practices that ensure our team’s and clients’ well-being.”  

icon Mechanical isn’t just focused on internal safety; it’s also committed to advancing safety industry-wide. The company sponsored the inaugural Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) Safety Champion Award, recognizing field employees who demonstrate outstanding safety leadership. The 2025 award includes a $4,500 travel voucher, encouraging recipients to enjoy a well-earned experience with their families.

A History of Safety Excellence
The 2024 Safety Innovation Award is just the latest recognition for icon Mechanical. The company has earned multiple national safety awards, including the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Safety Excellence Award in 2020. Their approach prioritizes integrating safety into daily operations, ensuring production never overshadows employee well-being. “Our goal is for every individual to return home safely each day,” Klaus says.