Committed to Zero Injuries

At Interstates, an unwavering focus on safety isn’t just a priority. Our safety culture lets us prioritize our team members' well-being each and every day. “Culture-focused safety for our team members is non-negotiable. We’re willing to do whatever it takes to keep our family safe,” says Dave Los, Vice President of Operations at Interstates.

Almost two decades ago, the company worked hard to move from a compliance-focused safety model to a behavior-based approach. “...We zeroed in on keeping our family safe at all costs, fostering a culture that champions safety,” adds Los. Building a comprehensive safety culture was not without its hurdles. According to Ian Seuser, Director of Safety at Interstates, one of the key challenges was ensuring buy-in for this safety culture across the organization. “The immense growth the company has seen and accelerated client schedules have posed their own difficulties,” Seuser mentions.

A Competitive Edge

The company’s commitment to safety serves as a critical differentiator in the market. “We don’t just say ‘safety first’; we live it out every day in every situation. This allows us to work with some of the most safety-conscious clients in the industry,” Los explains. Seuser concurs, saying, “Leaders stand up and push back if there are safety concerns. Operations ultimately owns the safety of our team members.”

"You Matter, I Care" Initiative

Interstates has a forward-looking safety roadmap that includes investing resources in mental health, safety equipment, and training. “We will never give up on putting safety first. No matter our growth trajectory, we will keep that family core value real and ensure that our team members are not just a number,” says Seuser. Along these lines, Interstates recently launched a new program called “You Matter, I Care,” aiming to deepen the interpersonal relationships among team members. “When you know your teammates better—know about their families, jobs, outside interests, and dreams—you will care more about them and ultimately work to keep them safe,” says Los.

Safety at Interstates is not just a checkmark on a list—it’s a core tenet and a family value. By instilling a culture that goes beyond rule-following to one that lives and breathes safety, Interstates sets a goal not just for itself but for the industry at large.