Making Safety Personal: Lumbermen’s Winter Safety Challenge

February 10th, 2026 by Caleb Krugman
safety challenge article image long 2

This winter, Lumbermen’s launched a Winter Safety Challenge designed to help employee owners reconnect with their personal “why” for working safely.

Led by Kate Harris, Lumbermen’s Safety Manager, the challenge invites employee owners to share real-life examples of how they practice safety both at work and at home. By scanning a QR code on the promotional flyers displayed throughout the company, participants can submit stories highlighting the people, passions, and responsibilities that matter most to them outside of work—while also having the chance to win prizes.

“The initiative creates space to reflect on how safe choices at work protect what matters most at home,” says Harris. “By encouraging our employee owners to think about their families, goals, and the life they want to protect, the challenge makes safety personal, not just procedural. It also provides a positive outlet for sharing concerns and speaking up, reinforcing that looking out for each other is part of who we are.”

Interested in strengthening your safety culture and create similar engagement opportunities? Harris offers the following tips:

  • Communicate clearly: Ensure employees understand safety rules and guidelines, and why they matter to your business and culture.
  • Invite feedback: Use simple tools, such as short surveys, to encourage participation and surface safety concerns early.
  • Reward involvement: Incentivize engagement with company swag, gift cards, or recognition to reinforce that every voice plays a role in building a strong safety culture.

Training Made Easier: Downloadable Diagrams for Your Team

We’ve created a series of visual training guides that break down the key components of decks, roofs and siding systems. These diagrams are designed to help new team members quickly become familiar with industry terminology, product components, and construction basics.

5 Ways to Upsell Your Deck Jobs

Margins on standard decks can be tight, but there’s an easy way to improve your bottom line. By adding a few high-value features, you can turn a basic deck into a more functional, finished outdoor space your customers will appreciate.

Making Social Media Manageable (Free Template Download for Dealers and Builders)

When I talk with our dealers about their social media efforts, most already understand its importance and the role it plays in building a brand. Where they tend to struggle, however, is with two simple questions: What should we post? and Who’s going to do it?

Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders in Building Materials: Insights from Lumbermen’s Leadership

How can companies support the next generation while honoring the industry’s deep expertise? And what can job seekers learn from those already leading the way? We asked Lumbermen’s leadership to share their insights.

Residential Cabinetry Offerings by Lumbermen’s

With countless styles, materials, construction methods, and price points available, choosing the right cabinetry can sometimes feel overwhelming. For homeowners, the decision often balances aesthetics, durability, and budget.

Top Dealers Recognized for Cabinet Sales

Last month, following our annual Product Fair, we hosted a special event to celebrate our top-performing dealers at The Atrium at Uccello’s in downtown Grand Rapids.