ACS Achieves Gold Safety Award for Zero-Injury Year
ACS, a prominent systems integrator based in Verona, Wisconsin, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Gold Safety Achievement Award from the Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) for the category covering 200,000-499,999 hours worked. This recognition is particularly noteworthy as ACS reported zero workplace injuries or illnesses during the qualifying period. The company's performance is further underscored by achieving an experience modification rate (EMR) of 0.53, which is substantially below the construction industry's benchmark.
The achievement is a testament to ACS's unwavering commitment to safety culture and shared accountability within the organization. The safety initiatives at ACS are designed to ensure that every employee takes personal ownership of their safety and the safety of their colleagues. Employees are encouraged to identify potential risks, voice concerns, and actively participate in corrective actions.
A critical component of this proactive safety approach is ongoing training and structured communication across the company. ACS implements a unique strategy where technical teams engage in a weekly cross-disciplinary rotation. This practice allows individuals from various fields, such as electrical and CNC machining, to audit each other's workspaces, fostering an environment of continuous improvement through shared insights and feedback. The result of these practices is a remarkable decline in their EMR, which has decreased from 0.92 to 0.53 over the last four years, demonstrating the effectiveness of their safety programs.
Andrea Carlson, the safety manager for ACS, emphasizes the collective ownership of safety among employees, stating, "The CAM Gold Safety Award belongs to every person at ACS. Our employees show up every day looking out for each other and taking ownership of safety, not just relying on a manager or a checklist." This culture of collaboration is manifested in their approach to identifying and addressing potential issues; when a concern arises, team members and contractors come together for a focused collaborative stand-down aimed at resolving the problem and ensuring the safety of everyone on-site.
In a recent project, a diesel engine manufacturer partnered with ACS to replace an old conveyor system. Instead of simply duplicating the existing design, ACS engineers took the opportunity to innovate by redesigning the conveyor system with integrated mechanical and control features. This approach not only streamlined operations but effectively eliminated pinch points, greatly reducing operator error and enhancing overall safety.
Scott Hoselton, president of ACS, notes, "We're seeing strong demand from clients to use automation to solve workplace safety challenges, and it's an area where ACS excels. What sets us apart is that the same rigor we bring to a dedicated safety project is also how our engineers approach every solution we deliver. Safety is central to our process, from the initial design phase all the way through construction and commissioning."
This award not only highlights ACS's commitment to workplace safety but also illustrates their consistent performance across various industries and client facilities. Their focus on safety and innovation continues to set an industry standard for operational excellence.
About ACS
ACS is dedicated to designing, engineering, and building innovative equipment, machines, controls, and facilities for leaders in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. As a systems integrator, ACS provides clients the ability to maximize efficiency through tailored systems that work in unison. The company leverages its extensive knowledge of building design, construction, and operational processes to deliver high-performance systems that meet the unique demands of its clients. With a regional office in Troy, Michigan, ACS serves customers throughout North America and around the globe. For more detailed insights about their offerings, visit
www.acscm.com.