Annual recognition was awarded to Dan Hardy, CPR/first aid instructor at Local 17’s JATC in Boston; Donald Steltz, safety training instructor for JATC Local 46 in Rochester, N.Y.; Frank Cuneo, training coordinator for JATC Local 104 and the Bay Area Industry Training Fund in Northern California, and JATC Local 20 in Gary, Ind.

“Winners are selected for exemplary training initiatives, outstanding program implementation, or any innovative safety program that deserves nationwide recognition,” said Gary Batykefer, administrative director of SMOHIT. “These programs represent the best in the business.”

John Healy, training director and president for JATC Local 17, nominated Hardy for his dedication to health and safety of the apprentices and journeymen.

“Dan has single-handedly trained approximately 400 members in adult and infant CPR, first aid and AED (defibrillators),” Healy said. “Because of his efforts, our members have a safer workplace and home life.”

Joe Leone, business manager for Sheet Metal Workers Local 46, nominated Steltz for his innovation and aggressive pursuit of safety. Along with training his local members, Steltz headed up the local’s first health fair. He also travels the nation training trainers through the International Training Institute (ITI)’s Train the Trainer program and has developed Green Training modules, which is the basis of ITI’s national curriculum.

“He continues to demonstrate a high degree of involvement within our industry and is a highly organized and dedicated individual,” Leone added.

Allen LaDelle, service general foreman at United Mechanical, Inc. in Cotati, Calif., nominated Cuneo for being a good example of health and safety.

“He has ensured that all of his charges have participated in Kaiser Health Wellness programs and is a personal proponent of the OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 programs within our industry,” LaDelle said.

JATC Local 20 was nominated for its exemplary safety training. There, members are required to complete 12 hours of safety training including the OSHA 10-hour course, first aid, and CPR and maintain all certifications. After the first three steps are completed, members attend the OSHA 30-hour safety course as well as 13 specialized courses. The process takes years, but the time is worth it, said Bob Hostinsky, apprentice coordinator.

Members are paid to attend the classes by the Safety Education Fund set up by local contractors. To date, 60 percent of the members have completed all the steps.

For more information, visit www.smohit.org.

Publication date: 09/05/2011