Our very own Safety Specialist, Alex, shares what’s new, where we’re headed next, and what keeps her passionate about safety every day.
We had a chance to talk with Alex Spounias, our Safety Specialist, to see how Haws has grown this past year, what’s on the horizon, and get to know Alex a little better. Her perspective was full of insight… and a few fun surprises!
How did you begin working at Haws and how long have you worked there?
I have worked for Haws for 3 years. My interest in health and safety started with a desire to make workplaces safer and prevent injuries before they happen. When the opportunity came up to join a manufacturing safety equipment company, it felt like the perfect fit — not only could I support employee safety but also contribute to the development and use of products that protect workers everywhere. Haws was specifically impressive due to their involvement with the SHARP program as well.
What have you seen Haws go through in the last year in regard to safety improvements?
Over the past year, the company has achieved a measurable reduction in the DART rate through a focused, employee-driven approach to safety. Increased employee involvement in hazard recognition, safety committees, and daily communication has strengthened overall awareness.
Enhanced training programs — including more frequent and repetitive sessions — have helped reinforce safe work practices and improve retention of critical procedures. In addition, upper management’s increased involvement and visible commitment to safety improvements and expectations have played a key role in driving accountability and sustaining progress.
What are some of the safety initiatives that have been implemented since you began working at Haws?
Since I’ve been with the company, several key safety initiatives have been implemented to strengthen our overall safety culture and align our programs more closely with our specific operations. We’ve focused on updating and refining our existing safety programs to better fit the needs of our manufacturing processes and warehouse environment — ensuring they’re practical, compliant, and effective for our team.
Another major improvement has been clearly defining the roles and responsibilities within the safety function, including setting clearer expectations for my position as a safety professional. This has helped streamline communication, accountability, and follow-through on safety initiatives.
We’ve also enhanced employee training, improved near-miss reporting participation, and increased management involvement in safety planning and performance tracking. These steps have all contributed to stronger engagement, lower incident rates, and a more proactive safety culture overall.
As Safety Specialist, what are you most excited about for Haws in 2026?
In 2026, I’m excited to focus on strengthening personal training programs and reducing repeated near misses. I also look forward to continuing my growth as a safety practitioner — expanding my knowledge and applying new approaches to make our workplace even safer.
What is your favorite extra-curricular activity and why?
My favorite extracurricular activity is spending time with my husband and our dogs. We enjoy working on home improvement projects and landscaping our yard together. It’s rewarding to see the progress we make and to create a space we’re proud of — it’s a great way to relax, stay active, and spend quality time together.
What is your favorite food and why?
My favorite foods are shrimp, crab, and lobster. I’ve always enjoyed seafood — it’s fresh, flavorful, and reminds me of relaxing times spent by the water with family. Plus, I love how versatile it is, whether it’s grilled, steamed, or in a great seafood dish.
Additional Closing Comments?
I am proud of the team for stepping up and showing genuine enthusiasm for our safety program. The high level of participation and engagement from everyone demonstrates not only their commitment to safety but also their dedication to supporting one another. It’s inspiring to see the team take ownership of our safety initiatives, contribute ideas, and actively work together to maintain a safe and proactive workplace.
