Safety office captures quarterly award

Posted September 23, 2009
By Brittany Brown
Norfolk District Public Affairs

9/23/2009 - FORT NORFOLK, Va. — Col. Peter DeLuca, North Atlantic Division commander, presented the Norfolk District Safety Team with the NAD Quarterly Safety Award during his Sept. 22 visit to district headquarters here.

The NAD quarterly safety award recognizes the district that best develops and executes safety measures.

The award evaluation included organizational involvement, work site analysis, hazard prevention and control, safety and health training, accident prevention and safety initiatives.

"This award designates Norfolk District as a leader in supporting a positive, safe and efficient work environment for employees by reducing accidents and increasing safety awareness," said Oscar Harts, the district occupational safety and health officer. "Safety continues to be a core business objective as we execute the district's diversion missions."

Just one element of the district's safety program are weekly jobsite inspections at district construction sites including ongoing Base Closure and Realignment projects at Fort Lee and Fort Belvoir.

"There have been more than a million hours worked by construction representatives in the past three months, said Rickey Brown, district occupational safety and health specialist. "Considering those numbers, the prime and sub-contractors are doing a superb job at addressing safety at all of our construction sites. Our construction representatives, team leaders and resident engineers also play an integral role as they enforce safety regulations."

In addition to promoting safety at construction sites, the occupational safety and health office also promotes safety awareness at the district headquarters building. The safety committee, comprised of employees from various offices through the district, meets on a monthly basis to discuss safety and health initiatives. By working in conjunction with employees, the safety office identified a need for personal protective equipment and DVDs about office safety.

Each year, the safety office sponsors a weeklong Safety & Health Week. The fifth annual Safety amp; Health Week, held May 18-22 this year, featured activities including a health fair, police and fire department demonstrations, first aid training and water safety demonstrations.

In conjunction with this year's Safety & Health Week, the safety office posted new emergency evacuation procedures throughout Norfolk District headquarters. Other headquarters safety initiatives included training more than 60 employees on the use of automated external defibrillator units and safety orientation for 32 new employees.