The Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District’s safety program recently received the Water Environment Federation Safety Award, a national honor that demonstrates exceptionalism in the field of safety.
CEO Thomas Wrenn, Water Resource Manager Steven Ellis and Utility Engineer and Safety Officer Justin Blackmon were presented the award at the WEF annual conference in New Orleans.
WEF is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of more than 30,000 individual members and 75 affiliated member associations representing water quality professionals around the world.
RRSD was nominated at a state level to compete on the national level, putting their safety program and record against the best in the country.
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“It was an honor to even be nominated for this national safety award, especially from such a prestigious organization as the Water Environment Federation,” Wrenn said. “I could not be prouder of our employees. This award is a testament to the dedication and commitment of everyone at RRSD that works to create and maintain a safe working environment. Our employees are the heart and soul of this organization and nothing we do is more important than for them to return home to their families after a safe day at work.”
Wrenn credits Blackmon’s work as safety officer for the award. “Justin has done an excellent job with our safety program. He deserves a lot of credit.”
The RRSD safety officer holds a Manager of Environmental Safety and Health Certification and participates in Carolina Star Site inspections with the Department of Labor.
The RRSD has also been participating in the Carolina Star Safety Program through the Department of Labor since 2013.
This program is reserved for companies that implement effective safety programs and demonstrate very low injury and illness rates. Companies must qualify to participate and must adhere to very strict criteria annually to remain in the program.
All employees of the Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District are empowered to stop work, from the top to the bottom, from the most senior to the greenest of employees.
RRSD provides monthly safety training and allows for independent safety training.
The RRSD has a safety incentives program that incentivizes additional activities and participation within the safety program. Incentives are not based upon injury and illness rates. “The RRSD goes above and beyond for employee safety, to include but not limited to voluntary respirator program, voluntary hearing conservation program, voluntary wellness program, and safety shoe allowance.”
The award received in New Orleans adds to a growing list of safety accolades for the organization.
They are:
The Walter J. Courmon Safety Award, which is presented annually by NC One Water to a utility that demonstrates an effective safety program in municipal and industrial water facilities. The RRSD received this award in 2013, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023.
The George W. Burke Safety Award is presented annually by NC One Water to a utility that demonstrates an effective safety program in municipal and industrial wastewater facilities. RRSD received this award in 2007, 2011, 2022 and 2023.
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