Safety is a shared responsibility, one that protects both team members and the residents we serve. At CCL, workplace safety in hospitality is woven into the fabric of our culture. It’s reinforced through daily habits, strong leadership support, and consistent team engagement.
We sat down with Derek Bostrom, Safety Manager, to explore what makes a safety program effective, the tools that reinforce it, and the personal stories that bring it to life.
Safety is more than compliance; it’s a commitment to keep team members and residents safe. That promise is reflected in how we work, how we train, and how we show up for one another. A strong safety culture means creating an environment where every person, regardless of role, feels responsible for contributing to a safe and healthy workplace.
Tools like Daily Line-Ups, safety checklists, and visual signage play a big role. These aren’t just reminders; they’re part of how we operate. Daily Line-Ups are short, structured meetings where teams reset and review key priorities for the day, including safety tips and observations. They create space for awareness and conversation.
Checklists help teams stay on top of essential safety items like PPE (personal protective equipment), cleaning protocols, or temperature logs. And signage reinforces expectations with visual cues that keep safety top of mind.
Focus Checklists are quick, 15-minute safety spot-checks that give managers a real-time snapshot of how well safety practices are being followed in a unit on a given day. They’re intentionally rotated among managers to reinforce a key belief: everyone, regardless of title, should be fluent in our safety standards, tools, and training programs.
They’ve helped drive measurable improvements in areas like training completion, PPE usage, and sanitation practices.
Self-assessments are more in-depth reviews conducted by unit teams to evaluate their overall safety practices. Unlike audits, which may be done externally or on a schedule, self-assessments are led by the teams themselves. They allow for honest reflection on what’s working, what needs to improve, and how the team can stay ahead of potential risks.
These assessments invite participation from both frontline team members and managers, reinforcing a culture of shared ownership. Our organization’s current safety assessment scores are at an impressive 97%, which reflects both strong leadership and widespread team engagement.
Safety Champions are team members who serve as peer leaders and advocates for safety. They’re not expected to be safety experts, but they are influencers: approachable, passionate individuals who help keep safety conversations active. They share best practices, reinforce messaging, and serve as go-to resources for their colleagues.
By creating visibility and consistency around safety, Safety Champions help embed safe behaviors into the daily rhythm of our operations.
Participation is essential. Managers should regularly invite team members to ask questions, join safety committees, complete assessments, and speak up during line-ups. These committees provide a space where hourly staff and leadership can collaborate, identify gaps, and find solutions together.
As one leader put it, “When someone sees that their voice matters, they become more invested. That’s how we eliminate unsafe conditions before they become issues.”
The biggest impact is that safety becomes second nature, not just something people practice at work, but a mindset they carry into daily life.
One team member recently shared how they started using safe lifting techniques at home, while another used the P.A.S.S. fire extinguisher method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) to stop a garage fire before it spread.
Another recalled wearing cut gloves while cooking at home or checking tire treads before road trips, all habits shaped by workplace training and culture.
We have a safety story book initiative that encourages team members to submit their stories of safety habits or significant moments. Two submissions from this month stuck out to me:
Fire safety knowledge came in very handy for me at home. My husband accidentally started a small fire in his garage. I had installed fire extinguishers at the exits when we built the barn. I was able to quickly react, grabbing the extinguisher by the door. I pulled the pin, aimed, then squeezed and swept the bottom of the fire. I was able to get the fire out quickly!” I’m grateful for learning P.A.S.S!
Kate Dodd, Dining Services Director
We tend to focus on workplace safety, but safety outside of work is essential as well. Whether it’s maintaining my tires for wear & tear, making sure I wear the proper attire/equipment for the weather changes going from coast to coast, or even making sure I wear my cut gloves outside of work when cooking in my own personal kitchen. Building these routines really helps you see safety as an essential part of your everyday life.
Bree Dawson, Project Manager
Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding our safety bench by identifying and mentoring new leaders. That includes cross-training team members who show a passion for safety and giving them the tools and feedback they need to grow. When safety leadership is embedded at every level, we strengthen the entire culture.
Safety is a shared promise ingrained into daily habits, tools, and team culture. From checklists and self-assessments to daily line-ups and peer champions, every element supports our commitment to keeping people protected, supported, and empowered. As we continue to prioritize workplace safety in hospitality, we’re proud to recognize the people and practices behind that effort. CCL remains focused on putting safety first, every day and in every environment where we serve.
