In our inaugural episode, CLS Facility Services VP Rob Vaughan sits down with FirstCall Safety Manager Andre Ramsey to break down what it really takes to build a safety-first culture in today’s facility services and operations environment.
From proactive safety planning to communication strategies and accountability systems, this conversation explores how leading organizations are strengthening workplace safety programs across regions and teams.
Whether you’re a facility manager, operations leader, safety professional, or executive looking to improve safety performance, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately. In this episode, we cover:
- The biggest workplace safety challenges facing the industry
- How to build safety awareness across multiple teams and locations
- Emerging safety technology and innovation trends
- Practical tools and resources for improving safety culture
- The role of leadership in driving accountability
If you’re focused on safety leadership, risk management, compliance, and operational excellence, this episode is for you.
Transcript
Rob Vaughan: Welcome, everyone, to the very first First Call Facility Focus Forum Podcast. I’m your host, Rob Vaughan, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing with CLS Facility Services. On this podcast, we’ll be discussing a wide range of facility management and maintenance topics — HVAC, controls projects, preventative maintenance, LED retrofits, electrical and plumbing work, energy management systems, and much more. I’m especially excited for our first episode because I’m joined by Andre Ramsey — our First Call safety expert and a former NFL player, which we’ll definitely get into as well. Andre, thanks for joining us. It’s great to have you.
Andre Ramsey: Thanks, Rob. I appreciate you having me. I’m looking forward to the discussion.
Rob Vaughan: Let’s start with your role at First Call. Tell us a bit about your title, when you joined, and what you do.
Andre Ramsey: Absolutely. My official title is Field Safety Manager, and I’ve been with First Call for just over a year. It’s been an awesome experience — not just because of our clients, but also the people we work with every day. It’s truly second to none.
Rob Vaughan: We’re lucky to have you. Safety is such an essential part of what we do — why is it so important in our industry?
Andre Ramsey: That’s a great question, and I like to answer it in two parts. First, there’s the people side. The people are the true magic behind what we do every day. Whether it’s service or installation, they’re the driving force — so protecting them is the top priority. There’s no greater responsibility than making sure our people are safe. Second, there’s the business side. Safety directly impacts risk and operations. Often, companies don’t realize how much safety affects the bottom line until there’s an incident. Injuries, downtime, investigations — these all add up. That’s why having a proactive, safety-first mindset is critical. It can’t just be a slogan — it has to be built into your processes and procedures.
Rob Vaughan: That makes a lot of sense. In our business, we often say any company can perform well during normal hours — but you’re judged during high-pressure moments. Safety feels similar in that way. With that in mind, you oversee safety procedures across more than 25 First Call branches. What’s your biggest challenge?
Andre Ramsey: It’s definitely not something I do alone — we have great leadership support. But one of the biggest challenges is managing safety across multiple states. Each state has different OSHA requirements. We have to meet federal standards, but also local regulations. Our safety manual is very detailed, but it’s not always the most engaging thing for people to read. So the challenge is making sure everyone understands the procedures — like lockout/tagout — and knows where to find the information. Just as importantly, they need to feel comfortable reaching out with questions.
Rob Vaughan: So awareness is really the key — especially with different regulations across states.
Andre Ramsey: Exactly. It keeps me on my toes, but I enjoy that challenge. Staying up to date and helping others stay informed is a big part of the role.
Rob Vaughan: As technology evolves and costs rise, do you think safety is getting more attention, or do we still have work to do?
Andre Ramsey: Both. Safety is definitely getting more attention than ever before. Technology is pushing the industry forward in ways we couldn’t have imagined. For example, there are now smart hard hats with cameras that can scan job sites and generate safety reports. It’s incredible. At the same time, both employees and clients expect higher safety standards. There’s more awareness across the board. That said, we’re not at the finish line. The ultimate goal is a zero-injury culture, and we still have progress to make to get there.
Rob Vaughan: For companies that don’t have a dedicated safety leader like you, what can they do to improve?
Andre Ramsey: The biggest thing is education. OSHA is an incredible resource — it outlines requirements by industry and state. And OSHA shouldn’t be viewed negatively. It exists to protect workers. Those standards are the minimum, not the goal. Companies should aim for a best-in-class safety program. That means investing in training, staying up to date on regulations, and ideally having someone responsible for safety. Most importantly, safety should be integrated into daily operations — not treated as an extra step.
Rob Vaughan: That investment really matters. Let’s shift gears a bit. With teams spread out across locations, how do you ensure everyone stays aligned on safety?
Andre Ramsey: It’s definitely a challenge. You can’t always get everyone in the same room, so communication becomes critical. We use multiple channels — meetings, emails, text alerts — to reinforce key messages. Even if someone misses a live training, they still receive the information. Field presence is also huge. Visiting job sites and interacting with teams helps reinforce safety culture. And when leadership consistently communicates the same message, it builds trust and accountability.
Rob Vaughan: That consistency makes a big difference. Now, let’s talk about your background. You played in the NFL — tell us about that journey.
Andre Ramsey: It still feels surreal. I grew up in a small town in Georgia, known mostly for farming and football. Not many people make it to the NFL from there. I played at Ball State University and was eventually drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. I spent time with several teams, and it was an incredible experience. It wasn’t easy — there were ups and downs, injuries, and transitions — but it taught me discipline, leadership, and teamwork at a high level. The NFL also has an internship program that helped me transition into the safety field. That’s how I got exposure to the construction industry, which I fell in love with.
Rob Vaughan: That’s an amazing journey. To wrap up — what’s the biggest lesson from your NFL experience that impacts your work today?
Andre Ramsey: Without hesitation: work ethic. At that level, everyone is talented. What sets people apart is their work ethic. That’s what helped me stay competitive, and it’s something I carry with me today. I strive to be among the best in my field, and I measure success by how our employees feel about safety on the job. If they feel supported and protected, that’s what matters most.
Rob Vaughan: I love that. We always say there are three things you can’t teach: work ethic, passion, and empathy — and you clearly have all three. Andre, it’s been great having you as our first guest. Thank you for sharing your insights and your story.
Andre Ramsey: Thank you, Rob. I really appreciate the opportunity.
Rob Vaughan: Thanks again, Andre — and thanks to everyone for listening to the First Call Facility Focus Forum Podcast. We’ll see you next time.
