My Story: Rick Croft

I first was placed in charge of other people at the young age of 17, when I was named the foreman of a small residential/commercial painting crew.

One day, an employee arrived at the jobsite before me and began working. Unfortunately, he fell from an extension ladder and I needed to call for an ambulance. He turned out to be all right, but it was scary for a first-time supervisor.

Since then, I’ve had many leadership roles and, ultimately, in each situation, I nurtured the ability to “see hazards” when others simply didn’t. That said, I missed a few hazards over the years, as well.

Fast forward a couple decades to when I became a volunteer firefighter and rescue technician. Once again, I was blessed to be in positions of leadership and, frankly, felt confident I had found my niche in the world.

I even worked in refineries all over the country for a short time, performing high-angle and confined space rescue, but being away all the time is hard on relationships.

Through the volunteer fire service, I received and welcomed any and all training I could get and was an information sponge. As it turns out, most of what I learned while volunteering in the fire service translates perfectly into industrial and construction safety.

So after a couple of decades of fire service and industrial training, although I’ve learned a ton, I still learn each and every day.

Ultimately, while it was never my plan, it appears safety chose me, and I’m blessed to be here!

Rick Croft, CHST
Corporate Administrator
Ephrata, PA