ROSEVILLE – Frank Olivas, Safety Director for PRIDE Industries, has been named the 2015 Safety Professional of the Year (SPOTY) by J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc., a leading safety, and regulatory compliance consulting firm. The award was presented Thursday, September 10, 2015, at J.J. Keller corporate headquarters in Neenah, WI recognizing industry professionals who have demonstrated unique, engaging and effective approaches to safety programs.
Olivas was selected from nearly one hundred other safety professionals for his comprehensive safety program and innovative approach to employee training and mentoring. Working on PRIDE Industries’ facilities contract at Fort Bliss, TX, Olivas and his safety team reduced the accident rate (number of OHSA recordable injuries x 200,000/man hours worked) to 1.6, well below the industry average of 3.9. Supporting PRIDE’s unique workforce, Olivas incorporates bilingual and American Sign Language training for some 80 hearing-impaired employees. “We don’t have a safety program, we have a safety process,” said Olivas. “It is ongoing and not intended to end.”
“I am very proud of the safety team at our Ft. Bliss, TX location led by Frank Olivas,” said Michael Laperche, Vice President of Risk Management at PRIDE Industries. “Frank demonstrates a laser-like focus on keeping our employees safe on the job. He is a dedicated professional committed to ensuring the safe working conditions for our employees and customers.”
Since 2002, J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. has recognized industry professionals and awarded a total of $150,000 in cash and prizes through the SPOTY award program.
About PRIDE Industries:
PRIDE Industries is a nonprofit organization meeting the manufacturing and facilities service needs of public and private organizations nationwide while creating jobs for people with disabilities. Headquartered in Roseville, CA, and operating in 14 states and the nation’s capital, PRIDE employs more than 5,300 individuals, including more than 2,900 people with disabilities.
PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.
