GRANTS PASS – The City of Grants Pass Safety Committee came home with two prestigious awards from the Southern Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference held in Ashland Oct. 17. The city was one of 22 municipal organizations and private companies to be recognized for their excellence at the conference with the Frank J. Bertak Award, and Grants Pass also received the annual Best of the Best Safety Committee Award.
“After we got up in front of 200 plus safety champions, we were called back up to receive the Best of the Best Award,” said Fleet Services Superintendent Grant Cory. “It was a great feeling knowing that our Safety Committee is performing at a high level keeping our employees and citizens safe.”
Multiple members of the committee attended the conference for training in various safety and health topics, and to receive the two awards.
“Our nineteen members have worked diligently during the 2019 fiscal year to ensure the safety of all department employees throughout the City of Grants Pass,” Cory said.
The committee established nine targeted goals to be the focus during the July 2018 through June 2019 period.
“Progress was made in all targeted areas, with complete attainment of eight out of the nine goals,” said Cory.
Achieved goals included monthly job hazard analyses, development of a safety recognition program, reduction in job related injuries, collaboration with Club Northwest and Oregon OSHA to provide additional training, additional outreach education, increased training and awareness, thorough site inspections, and an update of city safety manuals.
“In addition to addressing all goals established for the year, committee members exceeded expectations in a variety of ways,” said Cory.
First, OSHA consultation services were requested to assist the city in identifying possible hazards. In addition, committee members published safety information in the city-wide employee newsletter. City employees also disposed of more than 1,200 pounds of surplus chemicals and hazardous waste through Clean Harbors Environmental Services.
“We are very proud of our accomplishments during the past year and, more importantly, the resulting safety improvements for the employees and residents of the City of Grants Pass,” Cory said.
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