As Red-D-Arc celebrates 70 years of leadership and service in the equipment rental industry, we’re taking the opportunity to highlight the voices of the people who carry our values forward every day. We spoke with Heather Kelly, Safety & Compliance Manager, who joined Red-D-Arc in 2023, to hear her perspective on what safety, compliance, and our legacy mean to her, and to the future of our company.
Red-D-Arc (RDA): When did your journey with Red-D-Arc begin, and what inspired you to join the company?
Heather Kelly (HK): I made the decision to join the team at Red-D-Arc in the summer of 2023. The equipment rental business felt like ‘home’ and I was particularly drawn to Red-D-Arc’s Canadian roots as well as the “be of service” vision for the Safety & Compliance team.
RDA: What do you enjoy most about working at Red-D-Arc, and what aspects of the work feel most meaningful to you personally?
HK: At Red-D-Arc, I love that I get to be a problem-solver. I’m able to use my background in safety, operations, and R&D to provide our branch teams with practical compliance support and develop the most robust solutions.
RDA: Since joining Red-D-Arc, what has stood out to you most about the company’s approach to safety and compliance?
HK: At Red-D-Arc, safety is more than a metric—it’s a core value shared by our entire team. We’re proud to build on our enduring foundation of achieving top safety results and we also “empower” both our employees and customers with the knowledge they need to stay safe.
RDA: How have you seen the company’s 70-year legacy influence its current safety culture?
HK: For more than 70 years, Red-D-Arc has learned about the dangers of the industry, including things like electric shock, fumes, and fire risks. All that experience has made safety a fundamental part of who we are as a company. It’s not just the job of a safety department; it’s a value everyone at Red-D-Arc takes seriously and shares responsibility for.
RDA: What safety and compliance initiatives from your time here are you most proud of?
HK: All successful initiatives are achieved as part of an amazing team! We’ve introduced the HV Global Injury Management Program, in-person coaching using the Smith5Keys® driver training and the introduction of the Airgas Safety Engagement program to further develop & engage in the branch safety culture journey.
RDA: How does Red-D-Arc’s long-standing industry presence make it easier to maintain high safety standards for customers and employees today?
HK: Red-D-Arc’s long history in the welding and equipment rental industry has given us a major advantage in keeping their safety standards high. This established presence has allowed our company to build a safety culture that is deeply rooted in real-world experience, a commitment to getting better, and a focus on being proactive instead of reactive.
RDA: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Red-D-Arc, and why?
HK: Red-D-Arc, as part of Airgas is well-positioned to adapt to the technology shifts happening in our core markets by providing advanced, efficient, and flexible solutions that can help their customers overcome their challenges. I am excited to support “working safety” as the operational mindset that will drive our long term success. It will also ensure that our employees “get home safe” everyday to their families.
For seven decades, Red-D-Arc has built its reputation on safety, reliability, and a commitment to outstanding service. Heather’s insights remind us that our greatest strength lies not only in our history, but in the dedication of our people who uphold our values in everything they do. As we look to the future, we continue to be proud of our past and excited for the next chapter of growth, progress, and unwavering commitment to safety for our associates, our customers, and our communities.
Leave a Reply