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WELCOME

22nd Annual

Governor’s Employee Safety Awards Ceremony

August 23, 2002

It is a great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all who havegathered for the 22nd Annual Governor’s Employee Safety AwardsCeremony.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to recognize this year’shonorees for their outstanding commitment to employee safety. Byhelping to maintain a healthy and safe workplace, they have madea positive and lasting impact on many lives. Their hard work anddedication serve as an inspiration for all Californians.

On behalf of the people of the State of California, I extend bestwishes for a successful event.

Governor Gray Davis

GOVERNOR GRAY DAVIS

STATE CAPITOL • SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95814 • (916) 445-2841

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On behalf of the Governor’s Employee Safety AwardsProgram, the Office of Risk and Insurance Management,Department of General Services, extends its appreciationto the following organizations for their generouscontributions and assistance:

The Governor’s Office

The Governor’s Employee Safety AwardsCommittee

California Exposition and State Fair

State Compensation Insurance Fund

Department of Personnel Administration

California State Railroad Museum Foundation

Sacramento Youth Symphony

Black Tuesday Jazz Band

Prison Industry Authority

California Highway Patrol

Department of Transportation

The Office of Risk and Insurance Management thanksthe members of this year’s Governor’s Employee SafetyAwards Committee:

Claudia Alstom Sandi BeckerRobin Blair Beverly ChanIsabel Cortez Lucy FariaJerry Gibbins Warren HarrisTrudy Holder Ivan JackmanSharon McCalister Martha Wilson

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Friday, August 23, 2002—10:30 a.m.

Welcome Fred Luzzi, ChiefOffice of Risk & Insurance ManagementClothilde Hewlett, Interim DirectorDepartment of General Services

Guest Speaker Stephen J. Smith, DirectorDepartment of Industrial Relations

Safety Awards Clothilde Hewlett, AnnouncerStephen J. Smith, Presenter

Departmental Awards for Department of Boating and WaterwaysReducing Vehicle Accident Rates Employment Development Department

Department of Industrial Relations

Departmental Awards for Resources AgencyReducing Costs of Work Related Injuries California Coastal Commission

California Trade and Commerce AgencyState Water Resources Control BoardDepartment of Social Services

Group Safety Awards Presentation

Individual Safety Awards Presentation

Appreciation Award for Multiple Years of Serviceon Nomination Committee Committee Members

Special Safety Achievement Award Ralph L. Maurer

The State Safety Program of the Office of Risk andInsurance Management congratulates individuals, groups,and departments receiving awards and thanks all whomade this awards presentation possible.

22nd Annual

Governor’sEmployeeSafety Awards

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GROUP AWARDS

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND CAMPUS POLICE

California State University, Long Beach

Tim Ball Ed ParraGreg Pascal

On April 6, 2001 at approximately 10:35 a.m., one ofthe building services engineers contacted his supervisor,Ed Parra, by telephone/radio complaining of chest pains.Ed Parra contacted his supervisor, Tim Ball. They foundthe engineer lying on the ground in the workshop, barelybreathing. They immediately recognized the severity ofthe situation, rushed to his side and requestedparamedics. Tim and Ed began administering CPR.They were joined by Greg Pascal from Public Safety whoassisted by checking the employee’s pulse and makingsure his airway was open. These individuals continuedCPR until Long Beach Fire Department personnelarrived. The employee survived the heart attack andeventually returned to work at full capacity.

PAROLES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION—REGION I EMPLOYEE POST TRAUMA TEAM

Corrections, Sacramento

Carolyn Ahlers Don AlleeJenni Avila Shirley Berry-WilkesWilliam Charette Art EspinozaCarla Farley Lou Anne FisherJanet Grimes Kevin GuestJason Heine Pat HougeChristopher Johnson Darrol JohnsonHelen Kendricks Gordon McClaskeyJim Miller Nancy GrayErin Pancrazio Barbara ParkinsElliott Powe Art RobertsonLealan Thomas Susan VelasquezGinger Winings Robert Wright

The Region I team members respond to critical incidentsinvolving staff. They selflessly respond to the needs offellow employees who have been involved in a serious or

traumatic incident. Recent examples include work-related shooting incidents, death threats and hostagesituations, as well as employee murder and suicide. Theirpurpose is to assist staff in dealing with the post-traumatic stress associated with these incidents andensure that the employees are getting the assistanceneeded to make a healthy and rapid return to work.

KEVIN CROUCH and JEFF WILLIAMS

Wasco State PrisonCorrections, Wasco

Kevin Crouch and Jeff Williams, Correctional Officers,developed a safer and more secure housing design of theformer gym which was converted into additional livingspace. The gym was overcrowded and potentially unsafein the event of a fire or emergency. The new designdoubled the available dayroom floor space, creating anenhanced recreational area. The bunks were relocated insystematic rows allowing the platform weapons officer tohave a full, unobstructed view of the area.

VOCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Developmental Services, Sonoma

Fay Alderson Jerry ChampionRhonda Denny Jeff HessRay Veal

The Vocational Technology Services group at SonomaDevelopmental Center developed and adapted shreddingequipment to meet the work production, safety, andergonomic needs of each consumer at the SunriseIndustries Vocational Program. Consumers are paid toshred and bail office paper as part of the Center’srecycling program. They currently have 30 industrialshredders and 66 personal office shredders. During thecalendar year 2001, thirty-four tons of office paper wasshredded. This work program requires vigilantmonitoring to prevent injuries from fingers or hairgetting caught in the machinery. This year, the

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Vocational Technology Services group developed aninspection sheet to ensure that equipment malfunctionswere identified early and that staff checked all shreddersat the end of the workday. Sunrise Industries hasmaintained a zero rate of serious injuries related toshredding paper. This team’s work and vigilantequipment monitoring has provided consumers a safeplace to work.

AIRBOAT CLASS GROUP 2001

Fish and Game, Sacramento

Andy Atkinson Brad BurkholderAlex Hunter Joe PowellLori Powers Bob Teagle

On January 23, 2001, the members of this group wereparticipating in a basic airboat training class at the YoloBypass Wildlife Area, as either students or instructors.While maneuvering one of the airboats slowly through anobstacle course a student lost consciousness. Mr. Powell,upon noticing that this airboat was on a collision coursewith another airboat, quickly removed the strickenstudent’s foot from the accelerator, slowing the boat evenfurther, thereby lessening the impact of the collision.The other members of the group worked quickly andcalmly to assess the victim’s condition and began rescuebreathing and eventually CPR (CPR was administeredfor approximately 30 minutes). Others in the groupeither assisted in the medical treatment or communicatedthe emergency conditions to dispatch and helped transferthe victim to a larger boat and to shore where paramedicstook over CPR efforts and transported the victim to thehospital. Although the victim eventually succumbed tothe massive heart attack, the members of this group madea valiant effort to save his life.

MAIL OPERATIONS SAFETY STUDY TEAM

Franchise Tax Board, Sacramento

Rebecca Cartwright Fred CordanoDeanne Cote Nicole DobleAndy Farinias Laura FarmerLyn Hall Julie HamiltonClara Jewell Tony KentrotiJanie Lackey Diane LawrenceJody Langeland Martin LopezGloria Pantoja Candy PedersonDennis Putzel James ShookKaren Thomas Tiphanie Weiss

Given the events of the September 11, 2001 attacks,followed by anthrax poisoning at various locations in theUnited States, a study team of Franchise Tax Board(FTB) employees was formed to identify and recommendspecial measures to ensure safe working conditions. TheFTB receives and processes high volumes of mail andemploys a large number of temporary help during thepeak tax-filing season. This makes it extremely difficultto ensure everyone working with and handling mail iswell trained in the areas of identification, protection andexposure. It was critical for the department to review andevaluate the existing freight and mail handling processesto best protect staff and the state’s revenue. With theurgency of this project, the limited expert knowledge andinformation on anthrax, this study team prepared acomprehensive “White Paper on Mail Operations Safety.”This Paper identified several alternatives to mitigating therisks and proposed recommendations for immediate andlong-term action within 30 days of the assignment. Therecommendations were immediately approved by thedepartment’s Executive Officer and the Paper continuesto serve as FTB’s implementation guide.

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BIO-TERRORISM/HAZARDOUS MATERIALS GROUPCOMMERCIAL VEHICLE SECTION

Highway Patrol, Sacramento

Motor Carrier Specialist I Michael ChaffeeOfficer Vincent CurrySergeant Robert GhiglieriOfficer Willie HernandezLieutenant Joseph McEnultySergeant Dana Sampson

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the UnitedStates dramatically changed our lives and the dailyoperations of the California Highway Patrol (CHP).While the Department’s primary mission remains “Safetyand Service,” we have expanded our areas ofresponsibility to allow for increased involvement in newsecurity measures to protect the citizens of our stateagainst the possibility of additional terrorist attacks. Inresponse, the Department formed a Bio-Terrorism TaskForce which developed an anthrax/mail handling trainingprogram. The Task Force traveled throughout the state,educating state employees about the anthrax bacteria andteaching safe mail handling procedures. Through theefforts of the Bio-Terrorism Task Force, the CHP hastaken a positive step in combating bio-terrorism andensuring the safety of all state employees.

NORTHERN DIVISION AIR OPERATIONS UNIT

Highway Patrol, Redding

Officer Grant Barrows Officer Gerald BonnettOfficer James Gilmore Officer Terry GordonOfficer James Griffith Officer Charles KrammOfficer Robert Lobeck Officer John McDermottOfficer John Morales Officer Michael ShermanOfficer Brian Singleton Officer Steven SolinskiSergeant Paul Stein Officer Robert StetserOfficer Thomas Tilman Sergeant Steven Youngs

From August 1994 through August 2001, the NorthernDivision Air Operations Unit conducted flight operations

totaling more than 24,000 hours flown without anaccident or incident. Some of the unit’saccomplishments have included providing back-up toCalifornia Highway Patrol and allied law enforcementofficers participating in searches for lost persons,evidence, suspect rescues, and emergency medicalincidents. The Northern Division Air Operations hasearned strong support throughout Northern Californiawith praise and accolades from the media and the public.

ATASCADERO STATE HOSPITAL CENTRAL PROGRAMSERVICES

Mental Health, Atascadero

Lee Cowart Richard Koll

The vocational instructors recognized the hospital wouldneed day-room furniture for six new residential unitsunder construction. Several prototype chairs wereconstructed and input was solicited from unit staff andsafety committees. With this information and othersuggestions, new prototypes were constructed. Thecustom safety features were designed to eliminate thepotential of patients using the chairs as weapons. Thenew chair construction increased the weight of the chair,included beveled edges that make it difficult to have handor finger holds, improved the feet guides to allow safeand easy movement for floor cleaning and removed allloose parts which could be used as weapons. The newdesign is currently in use hospital-wide and has resultedin a 50% reduction in chairs being used as weapons.

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PIA SAFETY AUDIT TEAM

Prison Industry Authority, Folsom

Martin Acosta John AdkinsApril Anderson Dan AngJim Angelini Nyle BakerSteve Beane Larry BischoffLarry Caruthers Preston CaryCarlos Chavez Bill ConfortiBenny Dillon Ron GlennArnold Gomes Ron GoughRon Heier Rick HirtzelDick Jones Don KaufmanJohn Maloney Mike MayesJesse Mendoza Richard MontgomeryDel Morris Norman PerryFrank Quint Patrick SchmidtJim Scott Dwight SmedleyGreg Smith Phil SmithRobert Stockwell

The Safety Audit Team designed an audit tool to reviewevery factory, office, Injury and Illness PreventionProgram, safety program, training, safety documentation,and physical site in Prison Industry Authority (PIA). Asite inspection of 135 sites in 25 locations was conductedin February of 2001. Enterprises including dairies,farms, printing plants, laundries, furniture and licenseplate factories were inspected. Serious violations werecorrected immediately while regulatory violations werecorrected through a corrective action plan submitted bythe PIA operation. The corrective action plans wereaudited in August of 2001, assuring all noted safetyhazards were corrected. The safety audit tool designedand administered by the safety audit team providedrequired information to hone PIA’s safety programs andestablished the framework for continued safety programevaluations protecting the health of prison factory inmateworkers and civil servants.

ROCK SCALING TEAM

District 1, Transportation, Eureka

Kevin Balke Todd BryantStan Buschman Mel Crawford, Jr.Casey Dye Robert FreemanDave Harper Jason HayesAndy Holberg Aaron HolcombGreg Kaye Brennan LadaoMark Leonhardt Casey LundNick Motto Kevin ParksJames Reese Jeff ReynoldsShad Rose Heriberto RuizClayton Schneider Darin SullivanBryan Thompson

During the 2001 calendar year, the District 1 RockScaling Team responded to seven roadway locationswhere rock falling onto the highway created an extremesafety hazard for Caltrans maintenance personnel and forthe traveling public. The team consists of maintenanceemployees in a variety of classifications that are skilled inclimbing with ropes. They volunteer to serve on a teamto remove hazardous rocks and debris from above thehighways. Their efforts protect the traveling public fromencountering rocks on the highway and reduces theexposure of Caltrans maintenance crews from workingunder adverse rock fall conditions. No lost timeaccidents have occurred performing this criticallyimportant task during the last six years since this specialteam was formed.

MICHAEL KELLY and DAVE ANGELL

District 4Transportation, Orinda

Michael Kelly, Worker, Tunnels and Tubes, and DaveAngell, Operator, Tunnels and Tubes, designed, installedand implemented a test valve and gauge in the CaldecottTunnel lane change pop-up system which is used todetect leaks in the 120 psi air pressurized pop-up system.

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Air leaks occur often in the underground hoses and areextremely difficult to locate. The old method entailedplacing a barrier vehicle behind an employee who walkedup the cone line listening for the hissing sound thatindicated a leak. Even with all safety precautions, itmeant working two feet from a hot traffic lane. Theemployees’ implementation of a test valve and a gauge inline with each individual pop-up isolates the line pressurewith a valve. With this new design method, the aircompressor’s running time has been reduced by half, thecrew is not exposed to live traffic, and it has savedCaltrans $10,000 per year.

SPECIALTY REGION EAST SIGN CREW

District 4Transportation, San Francisco

Arthur Adams, Jr. Manuel Almendarez, Jr.Steve Anderson David BradyJames Conway Richard DevereauxRay Fox, Jr. Kenneth GiniMarlon Kalugdan Gary ten Broek

The Specialty Region East Sign Crew took an existingstate approved mail box anchoring support system,worked with the manufacturer and Traffic Operations toadapt it, and applied it to a pedestrian barricadeinstallation. These barricades are usually located on theedge of the roadway in high traffic volume areas thatprovide a minimum of space for protection. Theestablished system takes a minimum of 30 minutes toreplace when damaged. The new system, after the initialinstallation, takes approximately 5 minutes to replace.This greatly reduces the employees’ exposure time totraffic and therefore, makes it safer for the employees todo the job.

STRIPING CREW

District 9Transportation, Bishop

John Conroy Mike DonnellyRoland Naylor Luke StoneWayne Vega

On December 12, 2001 on Highway 395, Kern County,near the Searls Lake turn-off, a Caltrans paint stripingoperation was involved in a serious accident. Theaccident happened on a clear day, with the stripingoperation traveling in a moving lane closure at 20 mphpainting the shoulder edge line. A gasoline tanker truckpassed the advanced warning vehicle on the shoulder at55 mph striking the shadow/nurse truck that wasprotecting the employees performing the stripingoperation. The impact spun the truck 180 degrees,coming to rest on its side in the roadway trapping theCaltrans driver, Roland Naylor. Wayne Vega and JohnConroy prevented Mr. Naylor from drowning in spilledstriping paint by providing first-aid and cutting the safetybelt to free the employee. Crew members, Luke Stoneand Mike Donnelly, made radio notifications andstopped all traffic from going through the accident scene.Their quick actions prevented a possible fire andexposing the traveling public to a hazardous roadway. Ifit were not for the fast actions by all of the employees onthis crew, the outlook for Roland Naylor’s survival of thisaccident would have been greatly diminished.

WEST TREE CREW

District 11Transportation, San Diego

Mike Abernathy Dale BellavanceBill Connolly Thomas HallettDaniel Lopez Greg MoodyCraig Scott Jim Townsel

The West Tree Crew designed a barricade that stopserrant logs from going into traffic when one rolls down

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an embankment. The barricade has improved safety forthe traveling public. In the past, either private cars havebeen hit by the logs or they have run into them. Thebarricade consists of two standards fabricated from scrapmetal to accommodate two pieces of tree rope strungthrough the top and bottom rings of the standards andpulled tight. A canvas tarp is then draped over the ropesand secured to the bottom rope. The standards aresecured in place by the weight of the trucks with the tiresparked on the standard base plate.

SURVEYS BRANCH

District 11Transportation, San Diego

Diego Alvarado Ben AmiriRick Bergeron Harold BryanDennis DeCelles Brandon FarmerSherrie Ford Cynthia GerholdRobert Hagler Jim HalversonBob Hayden Marc HoustonPaul Jennings Aggie JimenezVern Klassen Jim LindsayJim Mainprize Rob McMillanAlphonso Medellin John MielingBessy Montag Dave OlanderJim Remele Crecensiano ReyesAndrew Rice Bob RobinsonJose Ruelas Ned SalmanKurt Scherer George SchuhDavid Sparks Alan StormesWayne Strong Bruce UrquhartSteve Van Buren Ramon VasquezRamon Vasquez, Jr. Mike WartenbergMatthew Watkins Mark Wyatt

The District 11 Surveys Branch has achieved 1,116,215consecutive person-hours of no lost-time injuries fromOctober 3, 1984 through December 31, 2001, including83,114 hours in 2001. The work that they carry outdaily in conducting transportation surveys is hazardousby the mere fact that much of their work must be

performed immediately adjacent to busy, fast-movingfreeway traffic, in the vicinity of heavy constructionequipment and in all environmental settings. This Branchhas always kept safety at the top of its priorities: tailgatesafety meetings every two weeks; group discussions afterclose calls; and extensive planning for all hazardoussituation surveys. Credit is given to safety-mindedpersonnel and supervision over this remarkableseventeen-year period.

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TESSA D’USSEAU

California Conservation Corps, Yosemite

Tessa d’Usseau was newly appointed to supervise a crewof 17 young individuals repairing 45 miles of remote trailduring the summer of 2001. Her crew performed over14,000 hours of intense physical labor with only twominor injuries. Besides safe-guarding the membersduring their workday, Ms. d’Usseau taught them how tosafely explore their surroundings on their free time bysetting up buddy systems, pre-approving itineraries,teaching map-reading skills and techniques to avoidattacks by wild animals. In addition, Ms. d’Usseau tookextra steps to ensure that the health of each member ofher crew was maintained.

ALEJANDRA “ALEX” PEREZ

California State University, Bakersfield

Alex Perez orchestrated the reorganization of the ScienceStockroom. She acquired funding with which she paidstudent assistants to facilitate completing the task. As aresult, the Stockroom is now in compliance withEarthquake Guidelines regarding overhead storage and ithas far fewer hazards that could contribute to slips, tripsand falls, which were the most frequent type of injury atCSU Bakersfield in 2001. Ms. Perez also added safetypresentations to the training program for students.

LORNA ABBOTT

California State University, Chico

Last year Lorna Abbott designed and fabricated customsafety features and safety equipment regularly used in theNutrition and Food Sciences Laboratory of the BiologicalSciences Department. By fitting the lab lecture roomwith removable “countertop extenders” (designed,constructed and painted by Lorna), students can now

safely use the top of an extended drawer for either alaptop computer or notebook during classroom lectures.Ms. Abbott also constructed a curved floor lip to safelyplace lab carts in a storage stall. Previously, staff wasconcerned that a cart with breakable glass beakers couldtip while negotiating a precariously raised floorboard infront of the cart stall.

CHARLES PERRY

California State University, Northridge

Since the 1994 Northridge Earthquake at CSUNorthridge, university officials have contracted withliterally hundreds of firms and spent more than $480million in construction costs to repair the devastation. In2001 alone Mr. Perry, a Plumbing Supervisor in thePhysical Plant Management, reported, investigated andtook action on more than 100 safety infractions. Due inlarge part to Mr. Perry’s proactive efforts, the CSUNorthridge Physical Plant Management departmentreduced its accident rate by over 58% since the ’94earthquake. His safety contributions help make thecampus a safer place for everyone.

MICHELLE “MICKI” BINNALL

California State University, San Diego

Parking Services Officer Micki Binnall single-handedlydeveloped San Diego State University’s (SDSU)Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program.Working with the Chief of Police, the Director ofEnvironmental Health & Safety and the Director ofStudent Health Services, Ms. Binnall initiated efforts toplace AEDs in first responder (police) units as well as inpublic locations around the campus. By providing thecritical “extra margin” of response time, SDSU’s AEDprogram is almost certain to save the lives of personsstricken with congestive heart failure.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

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BILL BENNETT

Consumer Affairs, Fresno

On the morning of February 5, 2001, Bill Bennett wastraveling northbound on Highway 99 in extreme foggyconditions when traffic stopped due to a multi-caraccident. People were trapped in their cars and therewere reports of possible fatalities. Mr. Bennett proceededto the accident scene on foot and assisted the Selma FireDepartment and California Highway Patrol extricate twoof the victims, both of whom survived. Mr. Bennett alsoassisted with performing a systematic search for othervictims for several hours, after which time he continuedwith his normal duties at the Fresno Field Office.

THEODORE LENZIE

Consumer Affairs, Sacramento

Theodore Lenzie, an Air Quality Engineer I, hasconsistently pursued safety in the engineering laboratoryand in the on-road emission test program. Staff membersworking in these environments are exposed to amultitude of potential dangers. In the last three yearsthere have been very few injuries due, in part, to Mr.Lenzie’s diligence in continuously improving safetymeasures. In 2001, Mr. Lenzie has contributed much tomake the workplace safer. For example, he worked withthe Health and Safety Unit to establish a requirement forsafety boots and sunscreen for staff working in the field,he instituted the use of orange safety shirts for staffworking in the on-road emission inspection program, heprovided safety helmets and facemasks for loading andunloading the test dynamometer, and he providedimproved warning signs to make consumers aware of theroadside work area and to maintain a safe distance frompotentially dangerous equipment.

LANCE GROMME

Corrections, Centinela State Prison, Imperial

Lance Gromme, Maintenance Mechanic, demonstratedhis commitment to safety by researching and revising theConfined Space Entry Program. Mr. Gromme arrangedfor the purchase of all calibrated equipment needed totest and monitor confined space atmospheric conditions.This equipment tests oxygen levels, detects such hazards ascombustible and toxic gases and vapors, and determinesif acceptable entry conditions are being maintained.

KAREN BAEZ

Corrections, Chuckawalla State Prison, Blythe

Karen Baez, Correctional Officer, provided emergencyassistance to a two-year old visitor. The child wasbeginning to lose consciousness and Ms. Baez placed thechild head down in her arms and delivered five blows tohis back. She then directed the mother to clear thechild’s mouth as she continued to administer care. Dueto her quick response, a potentially fatal situation wasavoided.

TIEN NGUYEN

Corrections, California Rehabilitation Center,Norco

Tien Nguyen, Pharmacist II, developed the NursingMaster Control Log Sheet, which assists the RegisteredNurses in administering medications to inmates. Mr.Nguyen also organized the Nighttime Documed Cabinetin the Outpatient Housing Unit. As a result of hisefforts, medication errors and nurses’ charting time havedecreased. Mr. Nguyen is always willing to go beyondhis scope of duties to help other departments improvetheir working conditions. He is even willing to spendlong hours at home working on ways to enhance thedepartment’s Health Care Services operations.

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DARREN JAMES

Corrections, Corcoran State Prison, Corcoran

Darren James, Food Services Manager, designed a one-piece grill that is tamper resistant. Prior to this newdesign, the traditional oven racks could be broken andused for, or converted into, deadly weapons. The newgrill design has eliminated the potential safety issue andhas resulted in cost savings associated with searching theovens for broken parts.

DONALD HADDOCK

Developmental Services, FairviewDevelopmental Center, Costa Mesa

A staff member on Residence 22 was seeking relief fromlower back strain caused by having to transportconsumers in wheelchairs to and from numerouslocations. This triggered an investigation, which resultedin the assessment that the employee’s height (over six feet)and the height of the wheelchair handles caused him tobend over in order to maneuver the chair. A search for acommercially available solution proved unsuccessful.Donald Haddock, an Assistive Technologist I at FairviewDevelopmental Center, devised what he describes as anadjustable and removable wheelchair hand grip device.Utilizing materials from around the work site, Mr.Haddock constructed a handle that expands in width andheight, thus enabling it to be used on a variety of chairs.This innovative device has saved the employee’s lowerback strain and substantially reduced the loss of work-hours due to a work injury.

PAUL ESPARZA

Developmental Services, LantermanDevelopmental Center, Pomona

Paul Esparza, an Assistive Technology Specialist I atLanterman Developmental Center, contributed to the

ongoing safety of the Machine Department by givingmachinery safety training to all employees that work inthe machinery area. Mr. Esparza, working together withthe Audio-Video Department, created a machine safetyvideo that covers all aspects of his machinery safetyorientation. As a result, Lanterman DevelopmentalCenter’s Machine Department has a safety video specificto their department.

RITA HERNANDEZ

Developmental Services, PortervilleDevelopmental Center, Porterville

Rita Hernandez, a Food Service Supervisor I at PortervilleDevelopmental Center, volunteered to compile theMaterial Safety Data Sheets for all the chemicals used inthe 27 kitchen areas. Ms. Hernandez simplified thelanguage of the sheets and inserted pictures of theappropriate Personal Protective Equipment to be used.Ms. Hernandez provided training and distributed thecompiled Material Safety Data Sheets to all 27 kitchens.Concerned with the hazardous chemical exposure to staff,Ms. Hernandez researched and submitted a plan to installan automatic system in each kitchen for product dilution,which minimized the risk of chemical splash injuries.

CLINT COOK

Developmental Services, PortervilleDevelopmental Center, Porterville

Clint Cook, Nursing Coordinator at PortervilleDevelopmental Center, investigated increasing consumerand staff injuries during translocation/transfer proceduresin Program IV. Mr. Cook determined that the use of atransfer/gait belt would reduce injury rates. Mr. Cookresearched and purchased the belts, facilitated theidentification of consumers who could benefit from theiruse, provided training to program staff, and monitoredtheir use and effectiveness. As a result, injuries toconsumers and clients were reduced by 64 percent.

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JIM CHAKARUN

Fish and Game, Niland

During the September 2001 dove-hunting opener on theImperial Wildlife Area, three dove hunters were struck byshotgun pellets, which were fired by other hunters. JimChakarun, the Wildlife Area Manager was notified of thenon-fatal injuries the same day. This was Mr. Chakarun’sfirst season as manager of an extremely popular huntingarea and he knew that a drastic reduction in the numberof hunters allowed would not be a welcome decision.However, he successfully garnered the support of localauthorities, including the Imperial County Fish andGame Commission, and immediately drafted a plan toreduce the number of hunters allowed on the facility. Hisquick, decisive action to provide a safer environment forthe hunters and employees alike is highly commendable.

DAVID TALLEY

General Services, Sacramento

David Talley, a Stationary Engineer working the swingshift, was one of the first responders to the horrible crashof the semi-truck into the Capitol Building on January16, 2001. Mr. Talley had just arrived as the fire truckswere coming onto the scene. He immediately called theEngineer at the Central Plant and had him secure all thefans in the building to slow the spreading of smoke andfire. Mr. Talley then met with CHP dispatch and theFire Battalion Chief as they were setting up theircommand post. While all the other maintenance andmanagement personnel were not allowed into the area ofthe fire and crash, the Battalion Chief requested Mr.Talley go with him to assist in any way needed. All ofMr. Talley’s actions were instrumental in assisting thefirefighters in their efforts to quickly put out the fire andkeep it from spreading further into the Capitol andcausing even more destruction or fatalities.

GREGORY CHRISSAKIS

Highway Patrol, Coalinga

In the calendar year 2001, Officer Chrissakis createdmore than twelve occupational safety posters. Ideas forthe safety posters have included scenes depictingaccidental weapon discharges in the locker room andabrupt U-turns in front of other vehicles during radarenforcement. Due to their popularity, the posters havebeen reproduced and distributed throughout theDepartment. Officer Chrissakis has utilized his innatetalent to enhance the Department’s Occupational Safetygoals and, at the same time, reinforce important safetymessages to his peers.

MILTON “CHARLIE” HANSEN

Highway Patrol, Nimitz

Commercial Vehicle Inspection Specialist, CharlieHansen, designed and built a new workstation podiumfor the facility. Personnel were restricted by the fixedheight of their old workstations. The height of the newworkstation can be adjusted 12 inches, from 32 to 44inches, by raising and lowering the workstation using ahydraulic jack. Personnel can now sit comfortably andlook at the monitor at eye level, which prevents back andneck strain. This innovative design has prevented costlylost time injuries.

HARRY LINSCHOTEN

Highway Patrol, Cottonwood

Protective rails were installed on the floor alongside theinspection pits in the Cottonwood Inspection Facility.These rails were six inches tall, and the ends were verticalto the floor. The abruptness of the rail’s vertical angle,and eventual sharpening of the edges by truck metalsurfaces resulted in ruptured tires and severed fuel lines.This caused ear pain and diesel fume inhalation for

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persons standing nearby. This has been a problemcommon to all inspection facilities with inspection pits.In response, Mr. Linschoten devised an alteration to therails, which shortened them to an over-all height of fourinches, incorporated a rounded pipe at the top, andtapered the edge to a gradual slant. As a result of themodification, tire and fuel line damage has beeneliminated. The improvement was accomplished byDepartment of Transportation, who will incorporate it innewly constructed facilities, and retrofit it to existingcommands.

WILLIAM MARCHANT, (RETIRED)

Highway Patrol, West Los Angeles

As an instructor in a transitional area, with a highnumber of newly appointed officers, Officer Marchantnot only provided clear instruction but he alsodemonstrated the techniques in accordance with policy toeach officer. In addition, he displayed an outstandinggrasp of the departmental manuals relating to uniformedpersonnel for Officer Safety, Motorcycle, and Firearms.As the Area’s Weapons and Range Officer, he wasextremely skilled in the safe and proper maintenance ofdepartmental firearms. As a Certified MotorcycleTraining Officer, he created a safe learning environmentby providing positive constructive evaluations andpromoting occupational safety. Officer Marchant’smature attitude and conscientious effort, made OfficerSafety, Weapon Safety, and Occupational Safety, numberone priorities to each of the officers he trained, mentored,or instructed.

JOHN MCDERMOTT

Highway Patrol, Redding

Officer John McDermott, Airplane Pilot, while on aroutine flight mission, piloting a newly acquired CessnaT206, experienced total engine failure. He skillfullychanged course and was able to “dead-stick” the plane for

approximately nine minutes, until he safely landed at aprivate airport located west of Red Bluff, California. Thedetection of a mechanical problem associated with thisaircraft led to the grounding of all departmental fixed-wing Cessna T206 aircraft and the subsequent correctionof a mechanical problem prevalent within the state. Thisdetection has prompted a nationwide effort to resolve theissue in other aircraft as well. Officer McDermott hasoperated departmental aircraft safely for over 20 years,and his efforts helped detect and resolve a major safetyhazard associated with the aircraft.

VICTOR BANUELOS

Mental Health, Patton State Hospital, Patton

On the morning of November 8, 2001, a patientattempted to hang himself. While he was preparing todo so, a peer noticed he was attempting suicide. Thepeer alarmed the nearest staff member and called otherstaff to the room for help. First on the scene was VictorBanuelos, janitor for the unit. Mr. Banuelos and othersresponded quickly during a very busy morning routine.The quick response of Mr. Banuelos to this emergencyresulted in saving this patient’s life.

JOSE PEREZ

Motor Vehicles, Long Beach

At approximately 2:40 p.m. on April 1, 2001, Jose Perez,a Licensing Registration Examiner, had returned from adrive test examination and was preparing to administerthe next when he observed a customer crash her vehicleinto the north-side building. Mr. Perez immediately ranto the vehicle and noticed that the customer was inshock. The tires of the vehicle were smoking, the enginewas running and the customer’s foot was stuck on theaccelerator. Mr. Perez directed a security guard to turnthe key to the “off” position. Mr. Perez then went to thedriver’s side and assisted the guard to remove thecustomer from the vehicle. He further assisted customers

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inside to assess injuries, translate, prepare reports andassist paramedics and management. The quick responseand intervention of Mr. Perez resulted in no seriousinjuries.

TINA HARRIS

Motor Vehicles, Tracy

On December 6, 2001, a customer who was being servedby Motor Vehicle Field Representative, Tina Harris,became incoherent and was losing his balance. Ms.Harris took immediate action by calling 9-1-1 andcontacting the supervisor in charge. Ms. Harris was ableto assist the paramedics by giving them a detaileddescription of what had happened. As a result of theinformation provided by Ms. Harris, the paramedics wereable to determine the person was a diabetic and treatedhim accordingly. Without the quick thinking and calmresponse of Ms. Harris, the customer’s condition couldhave been fatal.

JOHN WALKER

Prison Industry Authority, San Luis Obispo

During the time John Walker has worked as an IndustrialSupervisor in the Prison Industry Authority (PIA) ShoeFactory, he has voluntarily participated in the HazardousMaterials and Safety Programs for the PIA at theCalifornia Men’s Colony. Some of his undertakings andaccomplishments include completing the 40-hourHAZWOPER Training, developing and monitoring thedisposal system for contaminated material in PIA,overseeing the removal of the material to the approveddisposal site, evaluating inmate respirator use includingensuring proper masks and filters are being used, andfitting, testing and training inmates for respirator use.Mr. Walker has also extensively studied many otheraspects of safety for the benefit of PIA. His dedicationand concern for his fellow workers has directly resulted ina safer work environment.

GARY NELSON

State Controller, Sacramento

On his own initiative, Gary Nelson, a Staff InformationSystems Analyst, assumed responsibility for overseeingsafety issues at the Cannery Business Park. In 2001, Mr.Nelson was pivotal in solving two safety problems: 1) Hediscovered the fire alarm system’s panel appeared to havea faulty sensor and during the replacement, furtherproblems in the wiring and dead back-up batteries wereidentified; 2) Water leaked into a clogged basin andoverflowed into the hallways and the Data Control Roomwhen a contractor failed to make proper repairs to awater heater. Mr. Nelson directed building managementto clean up the water and set up cones to preventemployees from entering the area. His quick thinkingand response to this situation eliminated potential slipsand falls.

FRANK CHAPMAN, JR.

District 2Transportation, Alturas

On December 20, 2001, Frank Chapman, Jr., a CaltransEquipment Operator, was driving his Caltrans plow onHighway 299. He passed a home at Rattlesnake Bridgearound 3:00 a.m. when he noticed smoke coming outfrom under the eaves. He stopped his vehicle andawakened the family inside. He also assisted the familyin moving some of their belongings out of harm’s wayand was on hand until the fire department arrived. Thefamily credits Mr. Chapman with saving their lives as thehouse was later completely destroyed by the fire.

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BRUCE HARTMAN

District 3Transportation, Marysville

Bruce Hartman, Senior Transportation Engineer,organized an evacuation plan in a new building located atGateway Oaks which houses approximately 300employees. He organized an evacuation team andensured that the members had first aid and CPR training,personal protective equipment, and items for members tocarry in a “response bag” during evacuations. He thencoordinated an evacuation/fire drill with employees,building owners, and security personnel participation.After the drill, Mr. Hartman followed up with anevaluation of the results of the drill, and recommendedchanges to the Emergency Action Plan for the building.Changes were made based on his recommendations tothe diagram of the floor plans depicting evacuationroutes, location of first aid kits, and fire extinguishers.He held regularly scheduled meetings with the evacuationteam members updating them on issues with thebuilding. As a result of Mr. Hartman’s efforts, theemployees of Gateway Oaks have a heightened level ofawareness of safety in the workplace.

JOSH CARTER

District 5Transportation, Templeton

In August of 2001, Josh Carter, Caltrans EquipmentOperator, along with a co-worker were working onHighway 41 in San Luis Obispo, picking up salvageguardrail post left by a contractor. While working on thewestbound shoulder, a car spun out of control just westof his location. The car then crossed the eastbound laneand rolled down a steep fill area. He instructed his co-worker to radio in for assistance and then ran to theaccident site and climbed down the steep embankment.After the vehicle rolled over several times it came to a restat the bottom of the fill. There was a strong smell of

burning electrical wires. To escape the danger of apotential fire, Mr. Carter assisted the accident victim outof the vehicle. He stayed with the victim until theemergency personnel arrived and he assisted in carryingthe injured person up the steep slope to a helicopter thattransported the victim to the hospital where he wastreated for serious head wounds.

GREG WEIRICK

District 9Transportation, Bishop

On January 26, 2001, Greg Weirick, Caltrans EquipmentOperator, was plowing snow on Inyo County’s Route168, during R-1 road conditions and heavy snow fall.This is a two-lane, mountain road with sharp drop-offson much of the eastbound shoulder. Mr. Weirickobserved wheel tracks leading over a 400-footembankment and decided to get out of his vehicle andinvestigate. He discovered that a vehicle was at thebottom of the embankment. He then radioed in forassistance and began searching for the vehicle on foot.After walking for approximately one-forth of a mile, Mr.Weirick gained access to the vehicle and encountered twovictims – one deceased and one critically injured. Hestayed with the accident victim until the emergencypersonnel arrived.

EVAN MARIN

Headquarters—Shop 9Transportation, Bishop

On the night of February 12, 2001, Evan Marin,Caltrans Heavy Equipment Mechanic, was road testing agrader that he had been repairing to ensure that it wasoperational. As he pulled into the yard at Crestview heobserved a person standing next to the sand shed. At thetime it was windy and snowing hard, which created“white out” conditions. Mr. Marin walked over to the

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sand shed and discovered an elderly woman dressed inlight clothing standing barefooted in the snow. When heattempted to talk to her, she appeared very confused anddisoriented. Initially, the woman refused to get out of theweather so Mr. Marin radioed his supervisor forassistance. She was given warm coats and eventuallyagreed to sit in a vehicle until emergency personnelarrived. The CHP and ambulance finally arrived andtransported her to Mammoth Hospital for treatment.

LAWRENCE ORCUTT

HeadquartersTransportation, Sacramento

As a result of a tragic and serious accident on January 19,2001, Lawrence Orcutt, CEA, became acutely aware ofthe personal loss and suffering that injured employeesexperience after a major accident occurs. Mr. Orcutt hasmade a concerted effort to promote safety in theworkplace through aggressive marketing of the concept.He has supported the Caltrans safety program bysecuring increased funding, instituting a statewide safetyprogram that includes a dedicated safety van stocked withthe latest in personal protective equipment and safetyinformation. The Division’s Maintenance Safety Liaisontravels statewide in the safety van to maintenance stationspromoting safety and changing attitudes.

JOSEPH MORONES, JR.

HeadquartersTransportation, Sacramento

Joseph Morones, Jr., Transportation EngineeringTechnician, was innovative in making an agreement withthree coupon book vendors to include a second full pageadvertisement in their booklets regarding the Caltranssafety awareness project, “Slow for the Cone Zone”. Herecognized the importance of safety to the travelingpublic and highway workers from suggestions made atthe District 8 safety meetings. He negotiated with the

vendors and put together the full-page ads. Theagreement was reached in December of 2001 and the adsbegan printing in February of 2002. The inclusion ofthis advertisement will reach many of the travelers on ourfreeway and highway system informing them of ourDepartment’s Safety Awareness Campaign. Theagreement means savings to the Department while alsogetting the word out to the traveling public on work zonesafety.

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State of California—Gray Davis, GovernorState and Consumer Services Agency—Aileen Adams, SecretaryDepartment of General Services—Clothilde V. Hewlett, Interim Director