The Providence Housing Authority (PHA) workplace safety journey is a powerful example of how leadership, collaboration, and commitment to improvement can transform an organization. Over the past few years, PHA has built a resilient, proactive safety culture that protects employees, reduces risk, and improves morale.
A longtime Beacon Mutual policyholder, The Providence Housing Authority has relied on our safety and loss prevention services to strengthen its workplace and keep employees protected. Their story highlights three ways PHA built a safer, stronger workplace and how other local businesses can do the same. Through strong leadership and a safety-first mindset, building safety into operations, and prioritizing employee recovery and well-being, PHA has become a true model for workplace safety.
At the heart of PHA’s success is leadership’s unwavering dedication to safety. For management, safety is not an afterthought—it is integrated into daily operations. This top-down commitment ensures that every employee sees safety as a shared responsibility.
That top-down commitment has become the foundation for PHA’s safety culture—one that encourages collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
“Safety is part of our strategic plan,” said Kimberly Dawley, PHA’s Human Resources Director. “It’s not just an HR initiative—our property management, facilities, and security teams are all involved. We’re updating our standard operating procedures and expanding safety training across departments to make sure everyone is part of the process.”
PHA’s leadership has adopted what Dawley described as a “four-pronged approach” to safety—reviewed by multiple departments, including legal, to ensure policies are comprehensive and effective.
Beacon's Senior Loss Prevention Consultant, Kurt Bodziony, added, “What’s impressed me most is that Providence Housing Authority’s commitment to safety is evergreen. They don’t stop once they’ve reached a milestone; they’re always looking for ways to improve.”
PHA created a Safety Committee and a Risk Management Team that meet monthly to review workplace incidents, analyze accident data, evaluate safety controls, and take actionable steps to reduce risks. These meetings have evolved into problem-solving forums that drive continuous improvement.
HR Manager Miguel De La Cruz leads the committee’s accident investigation efforts, focusing on
To strengthen prevention efforts, PHA has launched enhanced training for managers and supervisors on effective accident investigation techniques, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning.
“We’re helping supervisors understand what to look for during an investigation—how to take photos, what forms to complete, and how to write a detailed report,” Dawley said. “It’s been a real improvement in how we manage incidents.”
PHA’s training also extends to tenant-related injuries, with an emphasis on prevention with our quarterly building and grounds inspections and thorough, effective documentation.
In partnership with Beacon Mutual, PHA has introduced a Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work (SAW/RTW) Program with tailored modified-duty job descriptions for every role. PHA has been working closely with Beacon’s Ergonomic Consultant, Lori Wall, to develop and implement the program.
“We’ve already started the process,” Dawley said. “Miguel has been working with Lori to identify what light-duty opportunities could look like. We’ll be drafting the program and presenting it to the unions and legal team to finalize the framework.”
Bodziony added, “Providence Housing Authority is ahead of the curve. They’ve already laid much of the groundwork for their Return-to-Work program.”
The program supports employee retention and morale by helping injured employees return to meaningful work as soon as possible while keeping claim costs under control.
PHA continues to strengthen its workforce with annual safety training programs covering
ergonomics, hearing conservation, ladder safety, bloodborne pathogens, defensive driving, electrical safety, lockout/tagout, hazard communication, PPE, landscaping safety, slip and fall prevention, and workplace violence prevention.
Recent sessions have also included stretching and lifting techniques to help reduce ergonomic injuries. The updated safety committee training, currently in its “trial run” phase, will soon be rolled out organization-wide.
“We’re polishing up the materials now so every department can use them,” Dawley shared. “It’s all about giving our employees the tools and insight to recognize risks, report hazards, and help prevent injuries.”
“Our employees are our eyes and ears,” she added. “They’re not afraid to speak up and share what they see in the field, and that’s how we keep improving.”
The transformation at PHA demonstrates what’s possible when leadership, labor unions, and safety professionals unite behind a shared vision. PHA’s efforts have not only reduced workplace risks but also empowered employees to take an active role in creating a safe and supportive environment.
Sanzaro said, “Start with open conversations and a genuine commitment to improvement,” Sanzaro advised. “Building a safety culture doesn’t happen overnight—it’s something you nurture through collaboration, consistency, and communication. Partner with your safety experts, listen to your employees, and celebrate the progress along the way. That’s how real change happens.”
Providence Housing Authority’s story is just one example of how organizations can transform their safety culture. Want to see more? Explore our case studies to learn how Beacon Mutual partners with businesses to strengthen workplace safety and protect employees.
Beacon Mutual works side by side with local businesses and organizations to create customized, proactive solutions that protect people and empower progress.
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