FORT STEWART, Ga. -"We just keep doing it better," Col. Kevin Milton, garrison commander for Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, told a large group of Directorate of Logistics employees as he prepared to award senior leaders the Industrial Operations Safety Award for DOL's "significant contributions to Army Combat Readiness and Safety in 2009."
Receiving the award was Robert C. Dewitt, Chief of DOL Maintenance Division; Russell T. Waters, Chief of DOL Shop Operations; and Bobby Blocker, DOL Lead Quality Assurance Specialist.
According to Byron Mobley, DOL Maintenance Division Safety and Environmental Officer, Stewart-Hunter won the award based on their implementing several proactive measures to enhance safety awareness, all the while minimizing risks at every department of the maintenance division. These measures include the following:
Aca,!Ac Posting 11 safety boards throughout the maintenance division that contain monthly safety fliers; standard operating procedures for each department; the command's Composite Risk Management Worksheet, which provides a quick reference for hazards associated within specific work areas; contact numbers for area safety officers; and minutes of monthly safety council meetings.
Aca,!Ac Training programs for drivers and material handlers, and programs that enhance worker safety and the environment, to include a special spray paint training program that reduces paint usage, disposal efforts and costs while improving the health of employees.
Aca,!Ac Reducing risks and hazards with a stringent cycle of inspections by safety officers and quality assurance evaluators.
Aca,!Ac Transforming standard accident reporting into a practical learning tool for accident prevention.
Aca,!Ac Making ergonomic improvements to workstations to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome as well as back and neck pain often associated with computer workstations.
Aca,!Ac Procurement of special equipment that increases the well being of employees such as forklift attachments that make equipment movement safer and more efficient; electronic safety boards; and personal protective equipment like bi-focal safety glasses.
Blocker said this is only the second year this award has been presented by the Department of the Army, that his team competed for the award in 2008 but did not win.
He said they were told they had a very good safety program and should compete for the award again in 2009.
With even more improvements made to their safety program, they prepared a new packet and with Col. Milton's nomination, submitted and won.
In addition to presenting the safety award, Col. Milton and Garrison Command Sgt. Major James Ervin presented "Star" cards and certificates of appreciation to more than two dozen DOL employees. Both leaders thanked DOL for its dedication to providing logistical services to Stewart-Hunter Soldiers, Family Members and Army Civilians.
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