Driving to work recently, Clint Matthews, Jacksonville Branch Crew Leader, was ready to embrace a standard workday: mowing, trimming, etc., when he noticed smoke from a car on the side of the road that was just involved in an accident.

With no emergency crews on the scene, Matthews pulled over and pulled the remaining passengers from the vehicle before it burst into flames.

“They needed help, and I was fortunate enough to be able to help them,” Matthews said. “My thoughts and prayers are with those involved in the accident. It was a very serious situation.”

Matthews' actions are no surprise to those he works with.

“His courage, quick thinking, and willingness to act under pressure likely saved a life,” said Rodney Hicks, Senior Branch Manager of the Jacksonville Branch. “Thank you, Clint, for embodying the best of who we are. Your bravery inspires us all.”

At BrightView, safety starts with the basics, and there’s nothing more essential than Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). As part of our National Safety Month series, we’re highlighting how PPE helps protect our teams from injury and how we can all help promote its proper use.

Whether trimming hedges, applying chemicals, or operating heavy machinery, the right gear makes a difference. Safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, safety-toe boots, and high-visibility vests are just some of the PPE essentials that protect against real jobsite hazards.

“PPE is one of the simplest and most effective ways we protect ourselves in the field,” said Matt Tackett, Manager, Environmental Health and Safety. “But the key isn’t just having it—it’s wearing it correctly, consistently, and confidently. Promoting PPE is about creating a culture where safety is second nature.”

Here are a few effective ways to promote PPE on your teams:

• Lead by example. When leaders wear PPE, teams follow.
• Use pre-shift huddles to remind crews about PPE requirements for the day’s tasks.
• Keep PPE stocked and accessible so there’s no barrier to wearing it.
• Recognize good behavior. Shoutouts for safe practices go a long way.
• Correct unsafe habits kindly and quickly. It’s about care, not criticism.

At BrightView, we believe safety is everyone’s responsibility. Promoting PPE is a daily opportunity to show we care—for ourselves and for our teammates. By working together and speaking up, we make sure everyone goes home safe.

Push for Perfection 3-6-5! 

At BrightView, safety goes beyond the job site—it’s a mindset that protects team members wherever they are. In recognition of National Safety Month, this week’s focus is on a common, yet preventable source of injury: lifting and ergonomic strain.

Whether it’s loading tools into a truck, moving bags of mulch, or lifting something at home, the way individuals move matters. Injuries caused by poor lifting techniques or repetitive strain are among the most frequently reported, not due to major accidents, but because of everyday motions performed incorrectly.

“Ergonomic safety isn’t just about heavy lifting; it’s about how we move, how we work, and how we take care of our bodies,” said Kristi Falliaux, Senior Manager, Environmental Health and Safety. “If we can build healthy movement habits at work, they’ll naturally carry into our daily lives.”

To help prevent injury, safety experts recommend following these safe practices:

• Lift with the legs, not the back.
• Keep the load close to the body.
• Avoid twisting while carrying weight. Turn the whole body instead.
• Use both hands and maintain a strong, balanced stance.
• Ask for help or use mechanical aids when the load is too heavy.
• Stretch regularly, especially before and after physical tasks.

It only takes one wrong move to cause a long-term injury, but by developing smart habits, team members can protect their backs, shoulders, and joints, both on and off the clock.

At BrightView, safety is a shared responsibility that begins with small, intentional choices. Let’s all commit to lifting smart and moving mindfully every day.

Push for Perfection 3-6-5! 

At BrightView, safety is more than a program—it’s a promise. As part of the company’s National Safety Month series, the spotlight is on a critical area of focus: equipment and machinery safety.

Each day, BrightView teams rely on powerful tools and heavy machinery to deliver exceptional results for clients.

“Every piece of equipment we use is a tool to help us do great work, but only when we operate it safely,” said Cindy Snider, Senior Manager, Environmental Health, and Safety. “Taking a shortcut or skipping a check might save a minute, but it could cost a life. Safety isn't just a policy; it's a promise we make to ourselves and to each other every day.”

Preventing equipment accidents begins with awareness and action. BrightView requires every team member to follow key safety practices:

• Inspect equipment before use. Look for signs of wear, leaks, or missing guards.
• Use safety features and PPE without exception—never bypass guards or controls.
• Stay alert and focused. Distractions, rushing, or taking shortcuts can lead to injuries.
• Report issues immediately. If something doesn’t seem right, stop and speak up.

Whether using mowers, trimmers, or heavy machinery, each piece of equipment has the potential to help, or harm. That’s why BrightView counts on every team member to operate responsibly and to look out for one another.

At BrightView, working safely means working smart. When safety comes first, the company protects what matters most: its people.

Let’s keep safety in gear for every shift and every job.

Push for Perfection 3-6-5! 

At BrightView, safety isn’t just an expectation—it’s a core value. To further enhance BrightView's ongoing safety mindset, the company is using June’s National Safety Month to launch Push for Perfection 3-6-5.

Throughout the month, BrightView is reaffirming its commitment to keeping every team member safe on the job and beyond. Each week will spotlight a different safety focus, beginning with one of the most common causes of workplace injuries: slips, trips, and falls.

Throughout all facets of the landscaping industry, constant movement is part of the job. Uneven surfaces, wet grass, loose tools, and unexpected debris can all present hazards.

“Our people are our greatest asset, and we want them to go home safe every day,” said Tony Cellucci, Vice President, Environmental Health and Safety. “That’s why we talk about safety constantly—because it matters. And it’s not just about work. These same habits that get you home safely each night to your family—watching your step, wearing the right footwear, and reporting hazards—keep you safe at home, too.”

BrightView encourages all team members to take simple actions that make a big difference:

• Keep work areas clean and organized
• Use proper footwear with good traction
• Don’t rush and look ahead for obstacles
• Report and fix hazards right away
• Use your Stop Work Authority if you see an unsafe situation

While National Safety Month offers an opportunity to refresh safety awareness, BrightView promotes a 365-day safety mindset. Every step matters, and the company counts on every team member to stay aware, speak up, and look out for one another.

Together, BrightView is enhancing a culture where safety leads the way—in the field, in the office, and at home.

Push for Perfection 3-6-5! 

There’s nothing quite like the sun’s reflection off the deck of a new mower.

But that shininess represents so much more as the company continues to embrace a One BrightView mindset while also further investing in team members and the tools they use on a daily basis to better serve our customers.

To date, thousands of new mowers and various hand-held equipment have found their way to branch garages across the country. And so far, the investment seems to be paying dividends.

BrightView’s Roseville branch in California received 13 new mowers and 60 new pieces of equipment in total, and their Branch Manager says it has made a great impact on both team member and customer satisfaction.

“The new equipment has made a big difference to our team,” said BrightView’s Robert Rochin, Roseville Branch Manager. “Using safe, reliable equipment, we’ve steadily improved processes, delivering more consistent results and higher team morale. The equipment has significantly improved efficiency by reducing downtime and costly repairs. This allows team members to focus more on providing the best customer and quality service.

“Feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive,” Rochin continued. “We’ve had several customers complement our clean new trucks and mowers, noting how important it is as part of our brand.”

It’s a similar story in BrightView’s Northwest Region.

“Our team members love their new equipment,” said BrightView’s Larry Hobson, Regional Equipment Manager – Northwest Region. “The customers are also pleased. They’ve noticed the improved safety, efficiency, and the reduced downtime, which has made a positive impact on our overall service.”

Dan Dorn, of Toro, one of BrightView’s preferred vendors, agrees the company’s commitment to quality and efficient equipment will pay great dividends moving forward.

“This equipment will allow BrightView to more efficiently and cost-effectively complete the services needed at each account,” Dorn said. “Our equipment is also user-friendly with enhanced ergonomics that offer ease of use and comfort for each operator.”  

New equipment is the most recent enhancement adopted to improve the overall experience for field team members. Other enhancements/actions include, but are not limited to: 

• Providing durable safety shoes to team members to better ensure consistent and comfortable foot protection.
• Providing orange field vests that are to be worn by new hires for their first 30 days to set them apart from more tenured team members to encourage safety collaboration.

“These investments being made by the company are pretty awesome,” said BrightView’s Michael Specht, Regional Equipment Manager – Northeast Region. “It’s like Christmas morning when the teams see their new equipment. Customers also love our unified, professional look and appreciate our increased efficiency.”

What started as a lighthearted suggestion from an Account Manager at BrightView’s South Orlando branch turned into a fun, engaging, and meaningful way to support the BrightView Landscapes Foundation. The branch brought extra energy to their annual spring rodeo by adding a dunk tank, with managers as the main targets, all for a great cause.

In addition to reviewing seasonal safety protocols, renewing certifications, and re-trainings, the team added some creative flair to the day with PPE relay races, a fastest string replacement on a trimmer competition, and the headline event: the dunk tank.

The dunking idea quickly evolved into a fundraiser for the Foundation, BrightView’s internal, employee-driven charity which provides financial support to team members and their families during times of hardship.

“We spent some time talking to the team about the Foundation and how it has helped several of our own through difficult times,” said Craig Huston, South Orlando’s Associate Branch Manager. “You never know what the future holds, and it’s reassuring to know support is there, if needed.”

The event brought together all 150 team members at the branch, who participated in both the educational and entertaining activities. For just $1, participants could take three throws at the dunk tank, aiming to send their managers into the water. Taking the plunge were the Branch Manager, two Account Managers, an Enhancement Manager, two Operations Managers, and Huston himself.

By the end of the day, the team had raised $225 for the Foundation.

“It was amazing to see the excitement and support from our crew,” Huston said. “All the managers were great sports, and the team had a blast cheering each other on, especially when it came time to dunk the managers. It was a fantastic day for a fantastic cause.”

BrightView (NYSE: BV), the nation’s leading commercial landscaping company, today announced a strategic partnership with Red Wing Shoes to help equip over 18,000 team members with high-quality footwear that seeks to address the environmental hazards on the job site. This new program reflects BrightView's unwavering investment in its team's safety and well-being.

As a company dedicated to excellence in landscaping services, BrightView recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety of its team members in every aspect of their work. By partnering with Red Wing Shoes, renowned for their durable and dependable footwear, BrightView is reaffirming its commitment to prioritizing the safety and comfort of its employees.

"Our partnership with Red Wing Shoes underscores our dedication to providing our team members with the best personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform their jobs safely and effectively," said Amanda Orders, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, BrightView. "By outfitting our team with top-quality, functional boots, we are not only investing in their safety, but also empowering them to deliver exceptional service to our clients."

With this partnership, over 18,000 BrightView crew and field team members will have access to footwear that meets the highest PPE standards of safety and performance.

"At Red Wing Shoes, we share BrightView's commitment to prioritizing safety in the workplace," said Tito Warren, President, Global Industrial, Red Wing Shoe Co. "We are thrilled to partner with BrightView to provide their team members with our trusted boots, ensuring they have the protection they need to perform their duties with confidence."

The partnership with Red Wing Shoes aligns with BrightView's ongoing efforts to enhance workplace safety and support the professional development of its team members. By investing in premium PPE, BrightView aims to create a safe and more productive work environment for all employees.

Safety isn’t just a top priority at BrightView, it’s a strategic imperative.

No matter the location, each morning starts with a stretch-and-flex. Teammates are constantly looking out for each other both on and off the job. In addition, leaders – and all team members – share safety tips and metrics with each other and across the various divisions on a regular basis.

So yes, BrightView is obsessed with safety.

“Safety is non-negotiable,” said Holly Woonton, VP – Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S). “Our focus on safety is a necessity to help ensure every employee goes home in the same condition in which they arrived that morning.”

One safety metric BrightView measures itself against is the Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) – the number of injuries reported against the number of hours worked.

BrightView ended fiscal year 2022 with a 1.94 TRIR, compared to the industry average of 3.00. Across the company, nearly 120 branches went without any recordable injury for fiscal year 2022.

For those branches that ended the year without any incidents, the recipe for staying safe is fairly simple.

Kristi Falliaux, the Regional EH&S Manager for the High Desert Market, which currently holds the top spot for safety within the company, said, “We are committed to safety no matter the task. Our golden rule is safety comes first. We have ready and abled teams who are first aid trained. Safety is the key to engagement and retention.”

The Maryland North Market ranks second for company safety. EH&S Manager Matt Tackett echoes his cross-country counterpart in their approach to safety.

“We do weekly safety calls each Monday morning across the company that include all levels of management, from Senior Vice Presidents, Human Resources, VPGMs, Branch Managers and Branch Safety Leaders,” Tackett said. “It’s branch leadership who champion relevant weekly safety messages and incident reviews to further solidify our safety culture and promote field-level engagement.”

Taking care of what matters most is a point of pride for us. So, when it comes to COVID-19 prevention, we’re not cutting any corners. As the pandemic continues, we’re taking the utmost precautions to protect you and our landscaping teams in accordance with local, state and federal guidelines and the latest guidance from public health leaders. This is how we’re keeping you safe:

Daily Health Screening

Our employees are screened for COVID-19 symptoms prior to each shift. Anyone with potential COVID-19 symptoms or suspected exposure is directed to quarantine following CDC guidelines. Employees who test positive or are exposed to COVID-19 receive paid time off to quarantine.

Proper PPE & Social Distancing

We give our teams the tools they need to keep themselves and those around them safe. Our teams receive face coverings, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, alcohol-based wipes and access to convenient hand washing stations. We’ve also staggered shifts to support social distancing and limited the number of passengers per truck.

Continuing Education

As we continue to learn more about COVID-19, it’s important we keep our teams apprised of the latest. Weekly safety talks and strategic signage help our teams stay in-the-know on the latest prevention best practices on the job and off, as well as how to recognize symptoms.

Contingency Plans for Service Continuity

In the event a landscape maintenance branch is impacted by COVID-19, we’ve created contingency plans that ensure clients can safely receive uninterrupted service. While affected team members quarantine until cleared by a physician to return to work, trained crews from other unaffected areas of the business will provide coverage.  

One of the most important tools of prevention is staying informed. We continue to monitor the latest recommendations from public health leaders to ensure our preventative measures reflect current best practices. While we might be far apart, you can rest assured that safety remains close to our heart.