Erik Vath is the risk and safety manager for Hoffman Auto Group, a role he has held for the past two years. With nearly 12 years of experience in occupational safety and risk management, he oversees safety, Federal Trade Commission compliance and workplace security initiatives across multiple dealership locations.
Under his leadership, workplace injuries were reduced by approximately 70%, contributing to nearly $1 million in company savings through proactive safety and risk prevention efforts.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
One of my biggest professional accomplishments has been helping strengthen Hoffman Auto Group’s safety culture through proactive training, near-miss reporting and risk assessments. These efforts helped the company surpass 1 million work hours without a lost-time injury, while several dealership locations achieved one- and two-year accident-free milestones.
How are you involved in the community?
I was involved in the fire service for 14 years, including six years as a volunteer firefighter in Simsbury. Although I am no longer an active firefighter, I continue supporting my community through workplace safety leadership, emergency preparedness initiatives and promoting safety awareness both on and off the job.
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What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, my biggest priority is being a great father to my two children and spending quality time with my family. I also enjoy following New York sports, especially the Yankees. The time I spend with my family is what matters most to me and keeps me grounded outside of work.
Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty?
Dedicated nearly 12 years to safety leadership, helping reduce workplace injuries and strengthen safety culture across multiple locations.
Developed and implemented proactive safety programs, training initiatives and risk assessments that improved employee engagement and accountability.
Led proactive safety initiatives that contributed to significant cost savings, improved employee safety and multiple accident-free workplace milestones.
Fun Fact
I rescued dogs from a house fire, combining my passion for service and protecting others.
