The Safety Walkout That Put Millions at Risk: Inside a 3-Site EHS Success Story

When a leading building materials manufacturer lost a key safety team member right before launching a new U.S. facility, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Construction was set to begin, but without someone to establish safety protocols, mitigate risk, and ensure compliance, the project faced major exposure. Delays, fines, and operational bottlenecks loomed large.

Traditional hiring methods had already cost them 60 days… and still no replacement. Time was running out.

The Safety Pro Walkout That Put Millions at Risk

With operations spanning 76 countries and over 170,000 employees, this manufacturer is no stranger to complex builds. But when their internal safety lead exited right before a major U.S. project kicked off, the team was left scrambling. They needed someone yesterday who could step in and ensure compliance with OSHA, industrial hygiene, fire safety, and emergency preparedness protocols.

Hiring through conventional channels meant more delays, more internal strain, and costs that could quickly exceed $25,000, without a clear ETA for onboarding.

YellowBird Delivered a Local Expert in Just 5 Hours

That’s when they turned to YellowBird, the AI-powered riskops platform that connects companies with fully vetted, ready-to-work EHS and Risk professionals. The plant supervisor posted the project, and within five hours, YellowBird matched them with a qualified local expert.

One week later, that expert was on-site for a 120-day engagement, seamlessly integrated and fully aligned with the team’s objectives. This wasn’t just a body in a seat. It was the right person, right away.

Why the Marketplace Model Worked

With YellowBird, this manufacturer bypassed weeks of HR friction and expense. Our platform intelligently matches based on:

• Industry-specific expertise
• Certifications and compliance knowledge
• Geographic proximity
• Immediate availability

And once matched, our YellowBird Pros show up qualified, briefed, and prepared, reducing downtime and adding value from day one.

The Results: Real Savings. Zero Compromises.

By using YellowBird, this company achieved:

• $18,000–$21,000 in cost savings at the first facility
• 6 weeks of hiring time saved
• 200 employees protected daily during high-risk construction

They've since replicated this success at two additional locations—bringing the total impact to:



• $54,000–$63,000 in savings
• 18 weeks of time saved
• 600 employees covered daily

Final Takeaway

Safety gaps don’t wait for paperwork to clear or recruiters to call back. With YellowBird, you can move fast, stay compliant, and protect your people without compromising on quality or professionalism.