FORT PICKETT, Va. –
The Virginia Department of Military Affairs Safety and Occupational Health Office conducted its inaugural Trades Technician Training Course Nov. 8, 2018, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The day-long course, which was hosted in coordination with the DMA facilities, operations, maintenance and environmental sections, focused on hot topics in the safety and environmental arenas.
“Safety is of the utmost importance at all levels of the agency,” explained Rebecca Moses, DMA safety and occupational health manager. “Bringing the readiness center trades technicians to Fort Pickett allowed our sections to provide the required safety training customized to their specific job duties in an appropriate setting with their peers.”
Moses explained the training allowed them to reach employees in a smaller setting and answer specific questions related to the tasks of their positions.
Topics included Hazard Communication, Personal Protective Equipment, Waste Management, Storm Water Management, Pest Management, Hand Tool Safety, and Aerial Lift Safety Training.
After completing the classroom portion of the training, employees moved to the Blackstone Readiness Center to complete the practical portion of the Aerial Lift Safety Training. During this portion of the training, employees received hands-on experience in putting on fall protection and safely leveling and utilizing the aerial lift.
“The trades technicians are often the constants at the readiness centers and we rely on them to ensure compliance in many areas,” Moses said.
“The Readiness Center is one of the first impressions that a future member has about the Guard,” said Timothy D. White, a human resources trainer with DMA. “Resourcing, training, and equipping the trade technicians is a DMA priority to ensure safety and cleanliness standards are met at those Readiness Centers.”
“This is the first time we have pulled all of our trades technicians together to conduct safety training,” said Walt Mercer, chief operations officer for the DMA. “In the end it’s about creating a better safety program in all of our facilities, and this consolidated training for our trade techs was a success. Thanks to the entire DMA and Guard team for supporting this event!”