Shawn Mandel’s passion for safety began as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy when the health and safety of the Marines he worked alongside was his responsibility. That experience eventually led to his current role as the Vice President of Safety and Risk at Waste Connections Inc.

On this episode of the No Accident podcast, presented by TRUCE, Shawn explains how the company’s approach to safety — which is based on the philosophy of servant leadership — helps the business succeed. He also explains how that success is supplemented by empowering workers, maintaining a value-based work culture, and using modern technology.

“Our self-directed, empowered team members have enabled us to see the success that we have from a risk and safety standpoint,” he says. “Obviously we're a for-profit company publicly traded, but at the same time, those values drive our business. And it's those values that drive our business that have enabled us to see the success that we have for the past 25 years.”