Safety officials gathered in Boise Idaho for the Second Annual Safety and Occupational Health Seminar.
WASHINGTON – Safety is a core value at Reclamation. While it is highlighted throughout the organization daily, the second annual Safety and Occupational Health Seminar and Leadership Forum this year provided an opportunity for an extended discussion on safety. The gathering brought members of the safety and occupational health community together with other communities of practice to discuss safety culture within Reclamation, potential gaps or organizational weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
"Employee safety and health are not a mere talking point or passing priority at Reclamation locations," said Reclamation's Chief, Safety and Occupational Health Office Buddy Byrd. "It is routinely demonstrated by actions, investments and staffing to ensure that Reclamation creates work environments where our employees can be successful."
One of the highlights of the meeting is recognizing individuals, offices and groups for commitment to safety over the past year.
The Commissioner's Team Award for Safety Excellence
The Technical Service Center's Safety Training Team received the Commissioner's Team Award for Safety Excellence. The TSC Safety Training Team distinguished itself by standardizing and strengthening how safety training is identified, conducted, and tracked across the TSC. They ensure all TSC employees receive the required training for their jobs without making them sit through unnecessary sessions.
The TSC Training Team developed the foundational document for safety training and implemented the new training format in October 2022. The TSC Safety Training Team has positively impacted the safety skills of employees across the TSC and has advanced their organization's safety culture in a very positive direction.
The Commissioner's Award for Outstanding Safety Professional of the Year
Eastern Colorado Area Office's Safety and Occupational Health Manager and Industrial Hygienist Michael Aspiazu received the Commissioner's Award for Outstanding Safety Professional of the Year. Michael has fostered healthy and proactive relationships at all levels of the organization, highlighting the value of making safety a core value. Aspiazu piloted the Safety Evaluations at the facility level through his work with the powerplants and externally through his collaboration with external customers and contractors.
Michael has invested time in fostering professional relationships with Safety Committee members, powerplant managers, regional safety staff, human resources, logistics, Technical Service Center and Power Resources Office colleagues. He listens to staff input, keeps an open mind regarding multiple perspectives, and uses the best information to make sound decisions. His experience and calm demeanor are good models for others when managing divergent personalities, various levels of experience, and unique perspectives.
No matter the task, Michael provides expert safety knowledge and friendly customer service. He is the go-to professional for emerging safety-related issues, and staff trusts his expertise and input when evaluating sensitive matters.
The Commissioner's Individual Award for Safety Excellence
Collateral Duty Safety Specialist Brian Skornia from the Upper Colorado Basin Region received the Commissioner's Individual Award for Safety Excellence. Brian has served as Socorro Field Division collateral duty safety representative since 2018, where his willingness and ability to engage all levels within the SFD has contributed to an organizational culture that emphasizes learning and improvement and where safety is a tool for success and not a hindrance.
Brian contributes to the safety culture by assisting the field division manager in setting the cultural tone. Through their example and decisions, they have established a work environment where employees feel comfortable sharing concerns, ideas, and questions and know they have been heard. Brian's philosophy is to build trust and respect between employees and managers.
Brian consistently seeks to improve work planning processes, as captured in each project's Construction Management Plan. Periodic reviews of the process have identified opportunities to strengthen Job Hazard Analysis' and specialized training. Due mainly to Brian's effective technical support and advice, the SFD is a recognized leader in adopting effective safety management systems that drive continual improvement. Brian's efforts have significantly impacted the positive cultural changes that have contributed to improved employee empowerment. Brian regards leadership as more than just a title; it is the difference between life and death, a minor or significant incident. Brian ensures his fellow employees' intent is heard and understood.
The Commissioner's Organization Award for Safety Excellence
The Socorro Field Division in the Upper Colorado Basin Region received the Commissioner's Organization Award for Safety Excellence. The SFD is recognized throughout Reclamation for its subject matter expertise in river channel maintenance and construction. Socorro's primary function is to support river channel maintenance and habitat restoration projects. SFD crews are highly trained professionals who routinely work in hazardous conditions ranging from swampy marsh-like areas to roaring rivers, often in very wet, sandy, remote locations only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles or airboats.
SFD adopted critical safety management models used in developing and maintaining the Division's Construction Safety Management Action Plan. They tailored the plan to specific projects and activities that have the potential to turn into an emergency response situation. The plan includes a project description, leader's intent, JHA, risk analysis, communication plan, medical/emergency response plan, and a descriptive map identifying staging areas and muster locations with safety trailers.
Socorro prides itself on sharing lessons learned with other offices involved in heavy equipment operations. In response to mishaps and near-misses, SFD completes a thorough review and captures lessons learned that are then shared throughout the Region via detailed electronic bulletins. SFD also has an established system to track corrective action through closure.
Socorro's current healthy safety culture did not evolve overnight. A consistent and sustained commitment from division, area, and regional management has set the tone for improvements over time. SFD has demonstrated a commitment to continual safety improvements and upgrades over the past decade, which have contributed to reducing significant unintended adverse outcomes.
