Tom Johnston Receives Safety Advocate Award in the 2023 Iowa Motor Truck Awards

Safety Manager Tom Johnston has been nominated and recognized as ‘Safety Advocate’ in the 2023 Iowa Motor Truck Awards hosted by the Iowa Motor Truck Association. The annual awards celebrate the best of the best in Iowa’s motor truck industry, recognizing companies who strive for excellence, innovation and high standards of professionalism.

Safety is the primary concern when it comes to trucking. In our industry safety comes well beyond of the wellbeing of the driver – it’s vital for keeping all our people safe so they can come home to their families at the end of each day. Being a safety professional is a demanding job that never ends. People who advocate safety in our industry deserve gratitude, respect and appreciation.

Here is what Tom says about his profession: “The trucking industry is one of the greatest industries in our country. Everything is moved at some point by truck. That’s staggering when you really think about it. That is a lot of miles.  And truth be told, I feel no other industry can hold a candle to the safety record our industry has despite the efforts of some to paint a different picture.”

“Being a safety manager/advocate in the industry to me is a lot like being behind the scenes.  I do not profess being the star of the show. That credit goes to those that actually turn the wheels. However, I like to feel that what I do is give my drivers the tools and knowledge they need to not only keep themselves and others safe on the road but get home to their families at the end of their runs. Much like the spouses at home my job is to provide them with support whether it be to lend an ear for mental wellbeing by listening to their frustrations after being on the road for 2 weeks and dealing with crazy traffic to guiding them through the steps to take should there actually be an accident and making the experience a little easier for them. That is what being a safety manager/advocate in the trucking industry means to me.”

August 2023 marked 10 years since Tom Johnston joined Keizer Companies. Safety is paramount at our companies and goes hand in hand with our motto ‘It’s All About The People’. Through Tom’s unwavering commitment to safety and through introducing new safety initiatives and programs, Tom has made a profound impact on the safety of Keizer companies’ workplace, ensuring the well-being of our employees, and promoting a culture of safety within our group.

Tom has a remarkable ability to listen to our people and is highly regarded and respected amongst our teams, not just as the person responsible for safety but also as a leader and mentor. Tom’s ability to maintain composure in the event of an accident is exceptional. He speaks with drivers to help them stay calm, making sure they are safe and feel ok to talk with the third party and insurance companies. Tom does everything in his power behind the scenes to make sure our drivers are safe and healthy.

But Tom’s dedication does not stop there. He works with all our employees – mechanics, office, sales – throughout all four of our locations, finding methods to aid with heat exhaustion with our mechanics during the hot summer months to working with the service and parts departments during the winter months to find boots/shoes/grippers for employees so they can walk safely in the parking lots if there is packed snow or ice.

Known to everyone as ‘Safety Tom’, he has a great ability to make safety fun yet paramount to every employee. When he joined Keizer Companies he started our monthly newsletter ‘Trailer Talk’ where he dedicates space to raise awareness about workplace safety, physical and mental health as well as safety contests and healthy recipe ideas. He runs orientations for new employees where he includes videos and memes to make safety sessions engaging and safety processes memorable.

Tom has won many accolades for our group of companies over the years, including Occupational Excellence Achievement Awards presented by the National Safety Council for our Sioux Falls and Omaha branches (2023) and the Governor’s Meritorious Safety Award for Transport Refrigeration of South Dakota (2022 and 2021), to name just a few.

Our founder Jim Keizer always put his people first and his motto ‘It’s All About The People’ is as true today at Keizer companies as it was when Jim started the business in the 1970’s. Tom’s commitment to safety means that our people can enjoy a safe workplace and can go back safely to their loved ones at the end of their shift.

Big congratulations from everyone at Mid-States Utility Trailer Sales, Safety Tom! You are a true professional with tremendous dedication to your role. You have taken our Keizer group of companies a huge leap forward in the past ten years and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do to keep us all safe.

The award ceremony took place on Wednesday, September 20th September. Congratulation to all recognized companies and individuals!