J.J. Keller & Associates has named Harrold Black, of Trex Co. Inc. in Fernley, Nev., as the 2008 KellerOnline Safety Professional of the Year (SPOTY). The SPOTY award is sponsored by KellerOnline, an online safety management tool.
Black — environmental, health and safety manager for the country’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, railing and fencing products — was chosen for the way that he has rebuilt the safety culture at Trex and the hands-on approach that he takes with safety. His efforts have reduced reportable injuries by more than 250 percent and near-miss incidents by more than 450 percent.
Black will receive a $2,500 cash award during a ceremony planned in Neenah, Wis., along with a plaque, certificate and multiple one-year subscriptions to KellerOnline for himself and others in his organization.
Tim Palmer, director of environmental health and safety for TIC Holdings Inc. in Steamboat Springs, Colo., was awarded second place. Palmer has worked with the leadership in the company to improve safety and move the critical safety processes to the forefront of his company’s culture and consciousness using an empowerment approach to safety and leadership by example. With one of his organization’s strategic goals to have the best safety program in their industry, Palmer’s approach is to ensure every employee has the tools and opportunity to work safely, and empower the company leadership and safety professionals throughout their 8,000-plus employee population to ensure that their messages are communicated to everyone.
Palmer will receive a $500 cash award, a plaque, certificate and a one-year subscription to KellerOnline.
Jason Neatrour, transportation manager for Liquid Environmental Solutions in Dallas, was awarded third place. He has implemented several substantial programs that will have a significant impact on his organization’s overall accident rates, safety culture and driver turnover. He also will receive a plaque, certificate and one-year subscription to KellerOnline, along with a $50 cash award.
Nearly 100 safety professionals submitted entries for KellerOnline’s 7th annual SPOTY award. “This year’s winners have proven that safety needs to be a priority for their organizations and have demonstrated its impact on the bottom line,” says Rustin Keller, corporate Internet products manager for J.J. Keller. “KellerOnline is proud to support these and all dedicated safety professionals in the most important job – safety.”
