What Is Courageous Culture?

The Safety Framework Guiding CityServiceValcon

CityServiceValcon drivers and technicians know one thing for sure: no two days look the same. One stop might have clear access and perfect footing. The next might greet you with fresh snow or a tank buried behind last summer’s brush. With that kind of unpredictability, safety often depends on the judgment you bring to the job right then and there.

That is why we’ve invested in a company-wide effort to build what a Courageous Culture, where safety becomes something we all practice instinctively throughout our work days. 

The Four Dimensions of Courageous Culture

Our team uses four dimensions to describe how safety mindsets grow: from Complacent and Compliant to Committed and Courageous. 

The courageous dimension is about the everyday choices and habits that keep our whole team working safely. It is where every person on the team feels confident speaking up, reporting hazards quickly, asking the extra question, and taking action that protects the next person who arrives at a site. 

After all, we are responsible for every person going home safely to their families, and we take that responsibility seriously. 

Why Courage Matters

Most safety decisions happen far away from a desk. Our folks work in remote areas where conditions change fast, and the safest choice is not always the easiest one. That is where courage comes in.

Courage helps our team pause and reassess. Sometimes the job moves ahead. And sometimes the right move is to stop the work until conditions improve. Our company-wide Stop Work Authority makes it clear that employees are empowered to make that call.

Ultimately, Courageous Culture strengthens how we work in the field. As Rob Cox, Director of Plant Operations, puts it, “When employees feel backed up and listened to, they bring that same energy to our customers. Safety and great service go hand in hand.”

Keeping Courage in Motion

Courage thrives in an environment where the right support is in place. Consistent training, open communication between teams, and quick sharing of safety insights all play a part.

New employees receive hands-on experience and ride-alongs that help them recognize hazards early and build confidence in real-world conditions. Customer service, drivers, operations, and management stay connected so concerns move quickly to the people who need to know. Near misses and hazard reports are treated as practical learning tools, and weekly Safety Blitz messages reinforce safe habits with short, role-specific reminders.

These everyday practices are what make our work safer and steadier for our folks on the ground.

Courage, Carried Out Daily

At CityServiceValcon, Courageous Culture shows up in the reliable, high-quality service customers count on. It has been part of who we are for more than 90 years.

In our next post, we’re pulling back the curtain on the processes that keep safety and service running smoothly, even on the busiest days.