WHY “THE SAFETY PIRATE”?
What young boy didn't grow up dreaming of becoming an astronaut, a police officer, or a pirate? As a child, I was captivated by the idea of being a pirate—sailing the high seas with the wind in my hair and a treasure map in hand. The thrill of adventure, hidden gold, and the freedom of an untamed life sparked my imagination like nothing else. Following my life-altering accident, I was left with the "pirate hook" and "peg leg" I thought were so cool as a child. With my modern-day versions of these two limbs and a long-tenured career in safety, The Safety Pirate was born!
MEET BILL TOMS
Bill Toms is an Air Force-trained power lineman, Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP), and professional safety keynote speaker.
With 42 years of experience in the electrical and construction industries—including 30 years in safety—Bill brings a perspective built on real-world experience, not theory.
In 1997, a 7,200-volt electrical accident changed his life forever, resulting in the loss of his right hand and right foot. That experience changed the direction of his career and ultimately led him into safety leadership.
Today, Bill serves as Vice President of Safety and Risk Management for MB Haynes Corporation, where he oversees safety for more than 675 employees across 10 divisions. He has investigated more than 1,100 workplace injuries and spent decades studying how incidents happen—and how they can be prevented.
As The Safety Pirate, Bill's message is simple: make safety personal.
THE ACCIDENT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
In 1997, I came into contact with 7,200 volts while working as a power lineman. The accident changed my life forever—and changed the way I see safety.
WHAT I BRING TO THE STAGE
42+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Air Force-trained power lineman with decades of real-world construction and utility experience.
30 YEARS IN SAFETY
Safety leadership experience focused on preventing incidents and improving workplace decision-making.
CSP & CUSP
Certified Safety Professional and Certified Utility Safety Professional.
1,100+ INJURIES INVESTIGATED
Real-world experience investigating workplace injuries and understanding how incidents happen.
REAL EXPERIENCE. REAL CONSEQUENCES.
A MESSAGE PEOPLE REMEMBER.
FAITH, HEALING & REBUILDING
"With God, all things are possible."
-Matthew 19:26
Just as occupational safety protects workers from harm and fosters a secure environment, a relationship with Jesus offers spiritual safety—a sense of peace, guidance, and protection amid life's challenges. In both, there are safeguards in place: rules, principles, and a foundation that promote well-being. While physical safety ensures our bodies are cared for, spiritual safety in Christ ensures our hearts and souls are anchored, no matter the storms around us.
We are all born as sinners, destined to be eternally separated from God. But by His grace, God made a way for us to be reconciled to Him through the death and resurrection of His only son, Jesus, who died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Anyone can have a relationship with Jesus, they need only ask Him to come into their hearts and help them to turn away from their sinful ways. I'm thankful that He spared my physical body from the high-voltage electrical contact incident, and that He also saved my spiritual body so that I can spend eternity with Him!