In honor of National Safety Month, we’re celebrating the outstanding achievement of the Atlanta Distribution Center, earning a perfect 100% on both its 2024 Safety and Loss Prevention (LP) audits. This is no small feat. It reflects not only world-class execution but also a culture where safety comes first, always.
At the heart of this success is Rocky Carter, Atlanta DC Manager, whose leadership has inspired a team-wide mindset rooted in accountability, ownership, and daily action. We got the inside tips from Rocky on how his team achieved this incredible milestone — and what others can take away from Atlanta’s winning approach.
1. Make Safety Part of Every Conversation
According to Rocky, the foundation of Atlanta’s safety success is simple: talk about safety all the time.
“Most every team meeting during the week involves some sort of discussion about safety,” Rocky shared. “We remind the team that safety is first and foremost.”
In fast-paced, high-output environments like distribution centers, it’s easy for safety to get overshadowed by metrics, deadlines, and inventory goals. But Rocky and his team make safety a non-negotiable part of daily communication — not just during official meetings, but as part of how they operate.
Takeaway: Build in moments for safety check-ins throughout the week. Reinforcement leads to habit, and habits shape culture.
2. Turn Everyone Into a Safety Committee Member
One of the most powerful aspects of Atlanta’s strategy is that safety isn’t just a manager’s job, it’s everyone’s job.
“Our approach is that every team member is part of our safety committee,” Rocky said. “That comes with the responsibility of ensuring we are not taking any shortcuts in the operation in lieu of safety.”
Team members are encouraged to be eyes and ears on the floor. If someone sees a hazard or a shortcut, they’re expected to call it out immediately. No waiting, no exceptions. This sense of shared responsibility helps close gaps before they become risks.
Takeaway: Make safety ownership a collective effort. Empower your team to speak up and take initiative.
3. Be Consistent — No Excuses
For other DC managers looking to improve their safety records, Rocky offers clear and firm advice: consistency matters more than anything.
“Consistency is key in holding everyone accountable to the same safety standards,” he said. “Accept no excuses for going outside the boundaries that have been set.”
Whether it’s a veteran associate or a brand-new hire, the Atlanta DC holds everyone to the same expectations. This level playing field sends a strong message: we care about your safety and each other’s.
Takeaway: Consistency builds trust and eliminates ambiguity. When expectations are clear and enforced, standards rise.
Celebrating a Culture of Excellence
Atlanta’s 100% scores didn’t happen by accident. They’re the result of intentional leadership, engaged team members, and a deeply rooted culture of safety. At SPR, we believe that every team member deserves to go home as safely as they arrived — and thanks to leaders like Rocky Carter, that belief is being turned into action every day.
Join us in celebrating National Safety Month by recommitting to safety in your own space — and taking inspiration from the incredible work being done in Atlanta.
👏 Congratulations to Rocky and the entire Atlanta DC team!
