Episode 217: ‘Safety Runs Deep’ with Ashley and Diane
In this episode:
Angela and Libby interview Diane and Ashley of Texas-based, women- and family-owned Tech Safety Lines about fall protection, rescue training, and safety equipment. Diane explains that she started the company 25 years ago after 9/11, networking with a Connecticut military manufacturer to bring a compact descender concept to firefighters and SWAT in Texas, later buying the patent and ensuring third-party testing to ANSI and EN standards. The company now has over 55,000 units in service across about 38 countries. Ashley describes their hands-on rescue training led by Dallas Fire Department technical rescue members, emphasizing “train until it’s muscle memory” and addressing the mental toll of rescue. Diane warns that relying on 911 is not a sufficient rescue plan due to limited specialized response capacity, and both share a mission focused on getting workers home safely.
Supported by: NPK
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 Welcome and Guests
00:50 9/11 Origin Story
03:18 Women Owned Safety Culture
04:57 Rescue Training That Sticks
08:10 Sponsor Message
09:12 Fall Protection Reality Check
11:56 Family Business Lessons
14:03 Impact and Lives Saved
16:10 Global Reach and Grit
18:15 How to Connect and Wrap Up
About Ashley:
Ashley Collette is Managing Director of Tech Safety Lines, a safety company specializing in rescue equipment, training, and consulting. She leads the company’s strategic growth, business development, partnerships, and market expansion across construction, energy, utilities, and government.
At the heart of her work is a simple purpose: helping organizations protect their people and ensure more workers return home safely to their families.
About Diane
As the founder of Tech Safety Lines, I am passionate about advancing safety in the wind, construction, telecom, and oil industries worldwide. My journey in safety expertise spans over 20 years, during which I've introduced innovative solutions like the Military Compact Descender (MCD).
I've had the honor of sitting on the subcommittee for Z359.4, the ANSI standard for Safety Requirements for Assisted-Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems, and Components. In addition, I'm proud to be the first female member of the Safety Steering Committee for the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).
I actively participate in numerous safety organizations, including the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA), the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA), and the Association of Energy Service Companies (AESC).
Under my leadership, Tech Safety Lines has achieved significant milestones, including winning the ASSE Safety Expo’s Attendee Choice Award and the Reader’s Choice Award for our patented StepWise® Lanyard. TSL has won the GWO Training Team of The Year - Americas Award. We are also proud to be one of the first companies in Texas to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Every day, I am inspired by the dedicated professionals I work with and the lives we protect through our safety solutions. Let's connect and explore how we can create safer working environments together.
Supported by:
