Survey Says: Seriously, It Matters!
Help AGA Help You
Over the years, AGA Technical Department has conducted quantitative research of the batch hot-dip galvanizing industry in North America through periodic and anonymous survey of our members. These surveys are used to evaluate plant productivity and operations metrics and drive initiatives at AGA. Analysis of the data is then distributed with the goal of helping our members understand where the galvanizing industry has been, where it is headed, and where there are opportunities for improvement.
“You can’t improve what you don’t measure” – some KPI guru, probably
Member participation in industry surveys is extremely important for AGA to grow, adapt, and fulfill our mission using facts, not guesswork. I know it can be tempting to ignore an AGA survey, assuming others will respond or your facility information is not unique. Probably you have hundreds of other emails and feel like it’s a waste of time. You wonder whether it's worth the hassle and time required to fill it out and search through your files. There’s not even a prize for Pete’s sake!
“I love surveys!” – no AGA member
I hear you. But please give me a chance to explain the direct benefit to you. I’ll gladly take even a partial survey response!
Workplace Safety Survey
Your participation ensures industry resources being developed to reduce hand injuries are relevant and helpful to you and your team.
This survey examines trends in two key injury rates for general HDG facilities in the United States, TRIR (Total Recordable Incident Rate) and DART (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred). Industry averages are determined solely from incidents occurring within HDG facilities and exclude data from operations such as duplex lines, plating lines, or fabrication areas. Results drive the AGA’s Health & Safety subcommittee's priorities for future initiatives, including strategies to lower incident rates. AGA member companies also find the survey results valuable for internal goal setting or Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, as the AGA results are much more specific than broader industry data reported by The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or The Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC).
Sustainability Survey
Your participation ensures AGA’s marketing collateral will resonate with your customers, and ensures industry advancements pursued by AGA’s Technical Department will make your company more competitive against weathering steel, stainless steel, wood, paint, and other materials marketed as “sustainable.”
This survey gathers information about equipment and practices used by N. American hot-dip galvanizing facilities that lead to environmental and economic efficiencies. Data from these reports are used in AGA marketing collateral to show advancements and ingenuity in the HDG process, and to combat specifier perceptions the HDG process is "dirty" or antiquated. Additionally, AGA member companies regard the survey results as a valuable resource for exchanging cost-saving strategies to minimize energy consumption and waste.
Process Survey
Your participation ensures you are comparing your facility’s internal performance metrics to accurate industry averages and improves all training your workers receive from AGA. When you want to build/expand/renovate your plant, you are contributing to a more accurate database of available chemicals, equipment, and practices.
This survey is intended to provide a benchmark for galvanizers to locate their position in the industry and gain insight into possible performance improvements or alternative processing methods. Galvanizers and Sustaining Members both regard the survey results as a valuable resource for zinc consumption metrics. Data from these reports are used to update: AGA training materials, industry standards, engineering best judgement to support regulatory reporting, EPD development, and much more.
My commitment to you
AGA continues to streamline surveys and reduce the burden on members. AGA will only ask questions when we have specific, actionable plans for the results with direct impact on approved AGA projects – no more questions out of curiosity. AGA will not publish identifiable information or use your data against you. Questions are totally optional, meaning you can abstain from any individual question you do not feel comfortable answering. Even partial responses help AGA greatly.
Next Survey
In February 2026 AGA will be conducting a combined survey: Process & Workplace Safety. Emails will be sent to primary contacts and EHS personnel for delegation to the right person. Next time you’re catching up with another galvanizer, I encourage you (ok technically I’m begging you) to remind (nag) each other to participate so we all benefit.