For the last decade, Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) has recognized those in the industry who set out to not only be safe on the job site, but who exemplify what it means to be a safety champion.

This year, Safety Matters Award winners were invited to Falls Church, Virginia, and the Safety Champions Conference, to receive their awards. During a July 12 awards dinner, they were recognized, celebrated and rewarded for their consistent efforts and safety mindset.

 Kurt Christiansen, OSHA instructor, Christiansen Heating and Sheet Metal, Kenosha, Wisconsin

The first safety class many apprentices take is OSHA 30, and at Local 18 in Wisconsin, they take that class from Kurt Christiansen. When it was instituted that all members be up to date on OSHA 30, Christiansen made sure to meet the demand. He recently revamped the sheet metal safety class to include additional content such as hoisting and rigging, and he provides extra help to students and makes certain he’s up on his own continuing education units (CEUs). David Stuart, director of apprenticeships at Milwaukee Area Technical College, said of Christiansen, “When thinking of a candidate for a Safety Matters Award, I cannot think of a more qualified candidate than Kurt Christiansen.”

 Maleeta Dailey, safety director, CMC Sheet Metal, Capitol Heights, Maryland

Maleeta Dailey has been with CMC Sheet Metal for more than 11 years, and has been the company’s safety director for the last few. Since she took the position, not only has the company’s experience modification rating (EMR) decreased, there is also a continuous momentum and improvement across all aspects of health and safety. Her proactive and preventive outlook allows for people to absorb the information and feel comfortable about reporting an unsafe situation, while providing an environment that is respectful, collegial and supportive. “Maleeta also displays a commitment to health and safety in the workplace,” said Don Hammond, president of CMC Sheet Metal. “Her commitment goes beyond the requirements of an employee’s role.”

 William Kessler, safety director/instructor, R.F. Knox Company/Georgia Sheet Metal JATC, AtlantaWilliam “Bill” Kessler has been teaching OSHA, CPR and first aid at Local 85 for over a decade. As the safety director at R.F. Knox Company, he has a passion and expertise for health and safety practices that spill over to his apprentices and co-workers. These apprentices have the opportunity to learn from Kessler, who shares his experiences on many large-scale projects, including how to ensure safe work practices and identify hazards so workers can avoid them. “Bill is very deserving of recognition for his contributions in the safety arena,” said Alan Still, Local 85 apprenticeship coordinator.

Winners of the annual design contest were also announced during the awards dinner. They included William Wilson, Local 20 in Indiana; Marc Evans, Local 104 in Northern California; and William Kessler, Local 85 in Atlanta.

Superior Duct Fabrication Pomona, California

Over the last year, Superior Duct Fabrication in Pomona has undergone a safety program revamp. In 2022, the new hire orientation for shop employees was updated, as were the annual requirements for mandatory safety training, implementing high-hazard job hazard analysis (JHA), hazard communication processes and weekly toolbox talk training. A safety incentive program is also in the works. Danni Acevedo, safety director for Superior Duct Fabrication, summed up their philosophy: “As leaders in our industry, we not only want to improve and ensure the safety of our current workforce but also help inspire the incoming generations of workers.”

Richard DaCosta, certified joint health and safety representative/COR auditor, Nortex Roofing, Toronto, Ontario

No one can truly understand the levels Richard DaCosta will go to keep his co-workers safe better than the person he saved. A certified first aid instructor and certificate of recognition (COR) auditor, Richard used his quick thinking and first aid skills to open the airway of a co-worker who was not breathing after a serious seizure. “Our investigation and review clearly indicated that his actions, along with another leader, saved the man’s life,” said Patrick Robak, health and safety coordinator for Nortex Roofing. “Richard shows initiative and is head and shoulders above everyone else in the industry.”