2 Million Safe Work Hours: Hurckman’s Safety Milestone

A rare achievement sets Hurckman apart as a trusted Wisconsin mechanical contractor.

Hurckman Mechanical Industries (HMI) has reached an extraordinary safety milestone: 2 million consecutive work hours without a lost time incident—an accomplishment that reflects more than six years of safe operations. In an industry where injuries are common, this achievement underscores HMI’s commitment to protecting its employees, clients, and job sites.

What Does “2 Million Hours Without a Lost Time Incident” Mean?

A “lost time incident” refers to a work-related injury or illness that causes an employee to miss time from work. HMI’s achievement means no employee has missed work due to injury or illness for over six years—a rare and commendable feat in the construction and mechanical contracting industry.

“This kind of milestone is rare in our industry,” said Cory Delwiche, Safety Director at HMI. “It shows that the safety culture we’ve built works. When workers go home safe to their families every night, that’s the only reward that really matters.”

A People-First Safety Culture

HMI’s safety success is no accident—it’s the result of a people-first safety culture led by Delwiche, a 30-year safety veteran and former first responder. At HMI, safety isn’t about policing—it’s about listening, teaching, and building trust.

Key practices that support this culture include:

• Daily Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) for every foreman
• Weekly Toolbox Talks with reminders about safe work practices
• A reliable partnership with Packer Fastener to ensure all employees have proper PPE
• Leadership that treats safety as a core business value

Leading Safety Metrics in the Industry

HMI’s safety performance places it among the safest mechanical contractors in Wisconsin:

• Experience Modification Rate (EMR): 0.68 (well below the industry average)
• Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR): 0.46, exceptional for a medium-sized contractor serving industrial and commercial clients

“Safety wins us work,” said Delwiche. “We’ve been awarded multi-million-dollar projects—even when we weren’t the lowest bidder—because general contractors trust us to keep their sites safe.”

Recognized Among Wisconsin’s Safest Contractors

Earlier this year, HMI was honored by the Wisconsin Safety Council with the Wisconsin Workplace Safety Award, recognizing it as one of the safest medium-sized construction companies in the state.

HMI also plans to apply for the Wisconsin SHARP (Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program) this fall—an elite designation for companies with exemplary safety records.

Why Safety Matters for Businesses

Businesses don’t just hire HMI for expert mechanical systems—they value a partner that keeps jobs running smoothly and safely. Working with a safe mechanical contractor reduces injuries, minimizes delays, and provides peace of mind for owners and general contractors alike.

As Jake Warden, President of HMI, explains, “Safety has always been one of our business foundations. We invest in our workers and their gear to keep them safe.”

Looking Ahead: 2.5 Million Hours Next

Hurckman Mechanical isn’t stopping at 2 million hours. The next goal: 2.5 million hours worked without a lost time incident.

“We’re going for 2.5 million next—and we’ll have an even bigger celebration,” said Delwiche. “But the real reward is making sure no one gets hurt. That’s our why.”