How EWEB’s Fleet Services reached 200,000 hours without a lost time injury
EWEB’s Fleet Services team reached a major safety milestone: 200,000 work hours without a workplace injury that results in an employee losing at least one full day of work.
It took the team roughly 12 years to achieve that mark. The team has recorded only one lost time injury in the last 24 years, but many of EWEB’s mechanics have been able to work their entire careers without a lost time injury.
Given the physically demanding nature of fleet maintenance, where mechanics handle heavy tools, navigate tight spaces, and put strain on their hands, knees, and backs, this accomplishment speaks volumes about the team’s dedication to safety.
EWEB's mechanics use their hands and fingers for virtually every task that they do at work, putting them at risk of getting injured. Keeping those hands and fingers out of harm’s way at work is critical, as hand injuries are still the second leading type of injury on the job.
“We take our employees’ safety seriously because a serious injury can have a huge impact on both an individual’s ability to work and their overall quality of life,” said Gary Lentsch, Fleet Supervisor.
Fleet leadership attributes this safety success to open communication and a culture of safety.
“We hire the type of people who value safety and we do our best to foster a culture where team members watch out for both themselves and watch out for others,” Lentsch said. “The guys in the shop are really good about speaking up and reporting incidents.”
Investing in the right tools and maintaining a well-organized and well-lit shop environment have also played a key role.
“This is the cleanest shop I’ve ever worked in,” said Ted Johnson, fleet mechanic crew lead. “The tidiness and cleanliness makes you want to keep it clean.”
Another mechanic pointed out the improvements in lighting compared to previous workspaces, making tasks safer and more efficient. Lentsch also believes in proactive problem-solving. “When the team identifies tools that make their job easier, we make sure they get them. The right tools go a long way in preventing injuries,” Lentsch said.
The team received a commemorative hoodie with a specialized 200,000-hour patch and cake to celebrate their achievement.
As Fleet Services looks ahead, their approach remains simple: Keep doing what works. With a solid foundation of teamwork, a proactive safety culture, and a commitment to providing the best tools and workspace, they’re proving that a well-run shop isn’t just about maintaining vehicles—it’s about taking care of the people who keep them running.
