The Simple Safety Institute Story
November 14, 2025, 8:24PM
From the Desk of Andrew Oestmann Chase, Founder
Why Simple Safety Institute Exists: A Letter to You
Dear Friend,
If you’re reading this, you’re probably a business owner, a safety manager, or someone who’s tired of the endless maze of compliance, paperwork, and “safety speak” that never ends.
Maybe you’ve seen too many close calls on the shop floor. Maybe you’ve watched good people get hurt because someone missed a step, or a form got lost in a pile. Or maybe you’re just overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of OSHA, ISO, and every new regulation that lands on your desk.
I get it. I’ve been there. And that’s exactly why I started Simple Safety Institute.
But before I tell you what we do, let me tell you why I care… and why you can trust us to help you build a safer, stronger, and more resilient business.

Simple Safety Institute
The Real Story: From Greasy Hands to Boardrooms
I didn’t start out as a “safety expert.” My first lessons in safety didn’t come from a textbook… they came from the clang of a dropped wrench in a machine shop. The sharp smell of solvents in the lab. The crew trying to finish a job before the clock ran out.
My journey began in the back of machine shops, repairing tools that had seen better days. I learned quickly that safety wasn’t just about rules… it was about people. A missing guard on a grinder. A shortcut to save a minute. A spill left uncleaned… these weren’t just “violations.” They were accidents waiting to happen. They were a liability.
My first safety job was as a Health & Safety Manager at Air, Water & Soil Laboratories, where I learned that safety isn’t just a rulebook; it’s a lifeline. I saw what happens when corners are cut, when training is an afterthought, and when “good enough” is the standard.
From there, I took on roles at Virginia Department of Transportation and Thermo Fisher Scientific, and worked with small businesses where every dollar mattered and every mistake cost more than money. I learned to listen, to adapt, and to find solutions that worked in the real world… not just on paper.
Later, I joined Call2Recycle as Environmental Compliance Manager, overseeing compliance for a leading nationwide recycling organization.
Each step taught me something new about compliance, risk, and… most importantly… people. I saw firsthand how the right training could prevent accidents, save money, and build trust. I also saw how the wrong approach could breed resentment, confusion, and, worst of all, complacency.
Why did I start Simple Safety Institute? I was tired of seeing good people get hurt by bad systems. Businesses shouldn’t drown in paperwork just to be safe…
Every worker deserves to be safe and I believe every business deserves a partner who actually listens. Because I know… deep down… that safety can be simple… if you have the right guide.
What I Learned (the Hard Way): Safety Isn’t About Paperwork
Here’s the dirty little secret nobody tells you: Most safety programs fail not because people don’t care, but because the systems are too complicated. Too disconnected from reality. Too full of jargon.
I’ve seen safety manuals thicker than phone books that nobody reads. I’ve watched “training” sessions where everyone just clicks through slides to get to the end. I’ve filled out forms that disappeared into filing cabinets, never to be seen again.
And I’ve seen the consequences… injuries, fines, lost time, and worst of all, the destruction of trust between workers and management.
That’s why I started Simple Safety Institute: to cut through the noise, strip away the nonsense, and make safety simple, practical, and real.
The Simple Safety Institute Difference: Practical, Jargon-Free, and Built for You
So what makes us different? It’s simple (pun intended):
- We speak your language. No jargon, no legalese, no “consultant-speak.” Just clear, direct advice you can use today.
- We’ve been there. From the shop floor to the boardroom, we know what it’s like to juggle safety, productivity, and budgets.
- We focus on what matters. Our training and consulting aren’t about checking boxes… they’re about building habits, systems, and cultures that actually keep people safe.
- We make compliance easy. Whether you need to meet OSHA, ISO, or your own internal standards, we break it down into steps you can follow, with tools that fit your workflow.
- We care about your people. Because at the end of the day, safety isn’t about avoiding fines… it’s about making sure everyone goes home in one piece.
My Credentials: Why You Can Trust Me
I know trust is earned, not given. Here’s what I bring to the table:
A.O.C. Services, Machine Shop & Tool Repair
- I repaired industrial metalworking tools at small machine shops all over the place. Not a safety expert there… just the guy who shows up when the equipment stops and figures out how to get it running again without costing an arm and a leg.
Air, Water & Soil Labs, Health & Safety Manager
- Ran safety for a 40‑person, high‑pace lab where every minute and every dollar mattered; I found where the rules were being broken, and implemented systems to make it simple.
Virginia Department of Transportation, Senior Engineering Technician
- I managed safety and quality on large infrastructure projects across Virginia. I kept everyone safe under complex rules and tight deadlines.
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Health & Safety Specialist
- Designed safety and training systems for a 30,000-employee global pharmaceutical company. Managed compliance onsite across a 2,200‑person research campus. Built systems to make it simple.
Call2Recycle, Environmental Compliance Manager
- I led compliance for a leading national battery recycling organization with operations in all 50 states. I made complex rules simples from the warehouse floor to the boardroom.
I’ve worked in and run local small businesses. I know the tight‑rope feeling of juggling payroll, broken equipment, and compliance at 2 a.m.. I get how lonely and exhausting that is…
We’ve felt that same worry.
I’ve earned trust from the person on the floor to the penthouse boardroom.
I’ve been the guy in the hard hat. The one in the lab coat…
The one sitting across from the inspector … which means I know which rules protect you. Which rules waste your time. How to turn compliance into straightforward steps your team will actually follow.
What We Offer: OSHA & ISO Compliance Training and Consulting
Let’s get specific. Here’s how Simple Safety Institute can help you:
OSHA Compliance Training
- Why it matters: OSHA isn’t just a set of rules… it’s the baseline for keeping your people safe and your business out of trouble. The regulations are be confusing. The penalties for getting it wrong are steep.
- What we do: We deliver everything you need to comply with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen (1910.1030) and HazCom (1910.1200) standards. Clear how to guides, easy to complete templates, and simple training that covers only what matters. Simple. No jargon.
- The outcome: Fewer accidents, lower insurance costs, and a team that actually cares about safety… not just because they have to, but because they want to.
Consulting Services
- Assessments: We’ll review your current safety program, identify what’s working and what’s not, and give you a clear step by step instructions to make it simple.
- Program Development: Need a safety manual, a set of procedures, or a training program? We’ll build it for you… customized to your needs, your risks, and your culture.
- Ongoing Support: Safety isn’t a one-time project… it’s a journey. We offer ongoing coaching, audits, and support to keep you on track.
Why Simple Safety Institute? What Makes Us Different
Let’s be honest: There are plenty of safety consultants out there. Some are big firms with fancy offices and bigger invoices. Others are one-person shops who’ve never set foot in a real workplace.
Why choose us?
- We’re Practical
We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” solutions. Every business is different, and every team has its own challenges. We listen first, then build a plan that fits your reality. - We’re Jargon-Free
You won’t hear us talk about “paradigm shifts” or “synergistic frameworks.” We use plain language. Clear examples. Real stories. If you don’t understand something, we’ll explain it until you do. No judgment. No ego. - We’re Honest
We won’t sell you services you don’t need. We won’t sugarcoat the truth. If something’s broken, we’ll tell you. If you’re doing something right, we’ll celebrate it with you. - We’re Experienced
We’ve worked in the trenches, managed compliance for national programs, and built safety systems from scratch. We know what it takes to get results. - We Care
This isn’t just a business for us… It’s a mission. We believe every worker deserves to go home safe, every day. And we believe every business deserves a partner who cares as much as they do.
Why Now, Why Us?
I know what you might be thinking:
- “We’re too small for this.”
- “We can’t afford another consultant.”
- “We’ve tried safety programs before… they never stick.”
- “Our people won’t buy in.”
- “We’re already overwhelmed.”
Let me address each one, honestly and directly:
“We’re too small for this.”
Safety isn’t just for big companies. Small businesses are often at greater risk… because you can’t afford to lose a key person, and you can’t absorb the cost of an accident or a fine. We specialize in helping small and midsize businesses build systems that work for them… without breaking the bank.
“We can’t afford another consultant.”
We get it. Budgets are tight. But the cost of doing nothing is higher… lost productivity, higher insurance premiums, regulatory fines, and worst of all, the human cost of an injury. We offer flexible pricing, clear deliverables, and real ROI. And we’ll never recommend something you don’t need.
“We’ve tried safety programs before… they never stick.”
Most safety programs fail because they’re too complicated, too disconnected from reality, or too focused on paperwork. We focus on building habits, systems, and cultures that last. We train your people, coach your leaders, and stick with you until it works.
“Our people won’t buy in.”
People resist change when they don’t see the value, or when they feel like safety is just another box to check. We show your team why safety matters… to them, to their families, and to the business. We make it real, relevant, and rewarding.
“We’re already overwhelmed.”
That’s exactly why you need us. We take the burden off your shoulders. We break things down into manageable steps, and help you build momentum. You don’t have to do it alone.
Let’s Give You Something Right Now
I believe in giving before asking. Here’s what I’d like to offer you… no strings attached:
- Free Safety Assessment: Let’s schedule a 30-minute call. I’ll review your current safety program, identify your biggest risks, and give you three actionable steps you can take right now to improve safety… no obligation, no sales pitch.
- Free Checklists, Templates and How-To Guides: Click HERE to see our whole library of free documents to help you.
- Free Training: Want to see how our training works? Take the training for free, and only pay for the certificate if you’re satisfied… so you can judge for yourself.
Why? Because I believe that when you see the value we bring, you’ll want to work with us. And if not, you’ll still walk away safer and stronger.
Oh, one more thing…
We have a 1 Year 100% Money Back Guarantee. Aren’t satisfied? Simply email me (andrew@simplesafetyinstitute.com) and I’ll refund 100% of your money, no questions asked. There is no risk to you, and you only pay if you don’t like it, you don’t pay.
Our Promise: Simple, Honest, Effective Safety
At Simple Safety Institute, we promise:
- No jargon.
- No fluff.
- No one-size-fits-all.
- Just practical, proven solutions that keep your people safe and your business strong.
We’re not here to impress you with buzzwords. We’re here to help you build a culture where safety is simple, compliance is easy, and everyone goes home safe.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to stop worrying about compliance, stop drowning in paperwork, and start building a safer, stronger business, let’s talk.
Start Training FREE Today: Courses
Not sure where to start?
Schedule a free 30 minute consultation HERE.
Let’s make safety simple… together.
Stay safe,
Andrew Oestmann Chase
Founder, Simple Safety Institute
P.S. Why Wait? Start Your Free Trial Today
Still on the fence? Try Simple Safety Institute for free. Get access to our digital safety tools, sample training modules, and expert support for free … no risk, no commitment. See for yourself how easy safety can be.
What Sets Us Apart (A Quick Comparison)
| Feature | Simple Safety Institute | Typical Safety Consultant | Big Safety Firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jargon-Free, Practical Advice | ![]() |
❌ | ❌ |
| Real-World Experience | ![]() |
✔️ (varies) | ✔️ |
| Custom Solutions | ![]() |
✔️ (sometimes) | ❌ (cookie-cutter) |
| Affordable, Transparent Pricing | ![]() |
✔️ (varies) | ❌ (expensive) |
| Ongoing Support | ![]() |
❌ | ✔️ (at a cost) |
| Digital Tools & Training | ![]() |
❌ | ✔️ |
| Focus on Small/Midsize Business | ![]() |
✔️ (sometimes) | ❌ |
Why this matters:
Most safety consultants either drown you in paperwork or sell you a “system” that doesn’t fit your business. Big firms charge big fees and treat you like a number. We treat you like a partner, give you tools that work, and stick with you until you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What industries do you serve?
A: We work with manufacturing, construction, janitorial, medical, laboratory, environmental services, and any business that wants to make safety simple.
Q: Do you offer remote/virtual training?
A: Absolutely. We offer both in-person and online training, tailored to your needs.
Q: Can you help us get ISO certified?
A: Yes. We guide you through every step, from gap assessment to audit prep.
Q: What if we already have a safety program?
A: Great! We’ll help you strengthen it, fill the gaps, and make it work better for your team.
Q: How do you handle sensitive information about our business?
A: Confidentiality is our top priority. We never share your information without your permission.
Final Word: Safety Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
You don’t need a PhD in safety to protect your people. You just need the right partner, the right tools, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Let’s make safety simple… so you can focus on what you do best.
Contact us today. Your team… and your bottom line… will thank you.
Simple Safety Institute: Safety. Made Simple.
P.P.S.
If you’re still not sure, ask yourself: What’s the cost of doing nothing? One accident, one fine, one lost worker can change everything. Let’s build a safer future… together.
Send me an email below, and I’ll help you out in every way I can.
-A
