Protecting What Matters

06.10.26

As an employee-owned company, Stellar is committed to advancing the work truck industry while also investing in the safety, well-being and success of its employee-owners. Bruce Collins, Director of Environmental, Health, Safety (EHS) and Risk Management, plays an important role in supporting that commitment by promoting accountability, continuous improvement and a people-first approach to workplace safety.

Bruce discovered his passion for safety early in his career as a wind turbine technician. About two years into the role, he helped lead a training initiative focused on heavy lifting and rigging operations for field personnel across the Midwest. That opportunity launched a career in safety leadership, leading to roles of increasing responsibility, including manager of construction safety for North America. In 2023, Bruce joined the Stellar team to lead the EHS and Risk Management departments.

In his role today, Bruce focuses on identifying root causes and implementing solutions that help reduce risk for people, products and the environment. Whether conducting job safety analyses, evaluating tooling, managing document changes or performing ergonomic assessments, the EHS team’s work is centered around protecting employee-owners and continuously improving processes across the organization.

“I enjoy analyzing a facility to identify not only the biggest gaps in risk management, but also where we can achieve the greatest return on improvements,” Bruce says.

Under Bruce’s leadership, Stellar implemented a new incident management system that allows employee-owners to report hazards, stay informed on investigations and access EHS documentation in one centralized location. The system helps support transparency, communication and continuous improvement across the company.

One initiative Bruce is especially proud of is the “Lessons Learned” process developed following significant incidents. Created within the first 24 hours after an incident occurs, the process provides managers, supervisors and leadership teams across Stellar with insights designed to reduce future risks, identify solutions and strengthen workplace safety throughout the organization.

“It seems simple, but becoming an organization focused on learning is key to developing our processes, products and people,” Bruce explains.

Outside of work, Bruce enjoys staying active with his wife and two children. He also has a passion for motorcycles and enjoys working on anything with an engine. This summer, he plans to compete in an event that combines drag racing with a multi-state drive through Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

“Being an employee-owner gives me great pride not only in the products we produce, but in the value those products provide,” Bruce says. “Seeing our equipment on the road or at work reminds me that we help people stay productive, make their jobs easier and support hardworking people every day.”

Through his commitment to safety, continuous improvement and employee well-being, Bruce helps create a stronger, safer workplace for employee-owners across Stellar.

Learn more about a career at Stellar.