The CEO of Waste Management, a $90 billion company, has taken an unconventional approach to understanding his workforce and improving safety. Jim Fish, the CEO, has been known to wake up at 1 a.m. to attend safety briefings and even haul trash with crews. This dedication to hands-on learning has allowed him to gain valuable insights into the company's operations and the challenges faced by its workers.
Fish's late father-in-law, a union pipefitter, encouraged him to attend these meetings regularly, and he has since embraced this practice. By doing so, Fish has learned that safety is not just about dollars and cents but also about understanding the people and the environment in which they work. Waste Management has set a goal to reduce its total recordable injury rate (TRIR) by 3% annually, with a TRIR target of 2.0 by 2030.
One of the key insights Fish gained was the impact of weather conditions on productivity. He observed that Boston's productivity plummeted during winter months, and after experiencing the harsh conditions firsthand, he realized the importance of understanding the challenges faced by workers in the field. This experience taught him that safety and productivity are closely linked, and addressing these issues requires a hands-on approach.
Another important lesson came from witnessing the diversity of Waste Management's workforce. Fish noticed that in a district in Rhode Island, most drivers were either Puerto Rican or Dominican, and their safety results were poor. He discovered that the manager didn't speak Spanish, which led to communication issues. By promoting a bilingual driver to a managerial position, Fish improved safety results and empowered workers to apply for positions they might not have considered before.
Fish's approach to leadership is unique, and he believes that the core of the company lies at the critical field level, not in the C-suite. By showing up to early morning meetings and interacting with workers, he has gained a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and the opportunities for improvement. This hands-on approach has allowed him to make informed decisions and drive positive change within the company.
In conclusion, Jim Fish's unconventional approach to leadership and safety has allowed him to gain valuable insights into the company's operations and the challenges faced by its workers. By embracing a hands-on approach, he has been able to drive positive change and improve safety results, ultimately benefiting the company and its employees.
