SMACNA names icon Mechanical as Safety Innovator of the Year

Award to be presented at the 2024 SMACNA annual convention in Palm Desert, Calif.

Granite City, Ill.-based icon Mechanical has been named as the winner of the 2024 SMACNA Safety Innovator of the Year Award.

The award will be presented during the annual business meeting as a part of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) Annual Convention in Palm Desert, Calif., taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.

An official statement from SMACNA noted that icon Mechanical’s innovative “Good Catch” program “revolutionizes workplace safety and mental health through technology. By employing QR codes, the company empowers employees to report safety observations at any moment, fostering a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

The statement further shared that this initiative simplifies hazard reporting and enables real-time analysis, leading to swift corrective actions and a notable reduction in accidents. To maximize the Good Catch program’s visibility and accessibility, icon Mechanical strategically places QR codes on daily JSAs, TBTs, and other prominent locations throughout its projects. This deliberate placement ensures that every employee’s opportunity to report good catches is always within arm’s reach, regardless of their role or location on site.

This program creates a dynamic feedback loop, encouraging vigilance and continuous improvement across its nationwide projects. By analyzing trends, they promptly address potential risks, significantly enhancing the safety culture. icon conducts a bi-weekly drawing to promote engagement further and recognize individual contributions, randomly rewarding the “Best Catch” and other submissions. This boosts morale and underscores its commitment to valuing every submission.

Since its launch 16 months ago, icon’s program has received nearly 300 submissions, identifying and mitigating countless hazards. Its effectiveness is underscored by a significant milestone achieved in 2023—surpassing 1.5 million work hours without a lost time incident. This achievement directly reflects the positive impact of employee engagement and the technological approach on icon Mechanical’s safety performance.

Moreover, the Good Catch program’s success has attracted the attention of industry leaders, inviting icon Mechanical to share its approach with other major contractors and owners. This initiative highlights a commitment to safety and sets new industry standards and value for its company, and beyond.

In sharing what winning this award means to his firm, Joe Shyrock, safety director at icon Mechanical noted:

“We are deeply honored to receive the SMACNA Safety Innovator of the Year Award. This recognition reflects our steadfast dedication to safety and our commitment to pioneering practices that ensure our team’s and clients’ well-being. At icon Mechanical, safety is a priority and a fundamental value guiding all our actions. Our ultimate goal is for every individual to return home safely each day. By enhancing the well-being of everyone involved in our projects and equipping them with the knowledge to prioritize safety at work and home, we are fostering a culture of safety beyond our job sites. This award is a testament to our team’s relentless efforts and dedication. We will continue to push the boundaries of safety and innovation.”