Safety-Kleen is committed to providing a safe work environment for our employees and contractors, our customers, and the communities we serve. The safety philosophy is at the core of what it means to be a Safety-Kleen employee and is an integral part of what defines us as a company.

Fostering a culture of safety is a primary job responsibility for anyone in a leadership role with Safety-Kleen. That responsibility means demonstrating an unwavering commitment to safety and having zero tolerance for unsafe actions or behaviors. Our employees need to recognize the importance of doing the job safely and must know to avoid using unsafe equipment. It is every employee’s responsibility and duty to be safe and compliant-everyday.

Safety is more important than just part of our name – it is our focus, our brand, and our passion.

EMR Achievement
With an Experience Modification Rate (EMR) of 1.00 being average, our EMR clearly reflects we are a company that is far better than average. In the past six years, we have seen a continued improvement in our EMR going from a .77 in 2002 to a .49 in 2010. Safety-Kleen's commitment to safety has vaulted us from being 23% better than other companies in our industry to being 51% better and demonstrates our continued efforts for improvement in this area.

Safety Kleen implements Smith System Defensive Driver Program
Research has shown that work related roadway crashes are the leading cause of death from traumatic injuries. Deaths and injuries not only cost the employer but can cause needless pain and suffering to family, friends, and coworkers. Anyone who operates a company-owned vehicle is at risk whether it’s for deliveries, sales, services, or customer visits. Protecting our most valuable assets, our employees, is of upmost priority.

In 2010, a select number of Safety Kleen employees throughout the company were certified to teach the Smith System driving program. These in-house trainers in 2011 held classes to all field locations. Unlike traditional classroom only driver’s education courses, Smith System features behind-the-wheel training to help develop safe driving habits. Those habits on the job will transition off the job in their personal vehicle.

Founded in 1952 by Harold L. Smith, the Smith System was the nation’s first training method dedicated to educating experienced drivers in collision avoidance. Using the Five Keys to Space Cushion Driving, the benefits include greater visibility, reduced potential for roadway crashes, decreased maintenance costs, and better fuel economy.