Safety culture is definitely “a thing” at MSD’s Center for X-Ray Optics, as evidenced by how research technicians Chanin King and Warren Holcomb identify and resolve safety issues. Chanin won the raffle this quarter for properly tracking and handling unlabeled waste, but both he and Warren have been recognized with a Hero Card on other occasions. For instance, last year Warren received a Hero Card from their supervisor for taking the required steps to resolve a situation that generated static electricity: the equipment was immediately unplugged, a note that described the problem was attached, and their supervisor was notified straightaway so that the issue could be resolved by the appropriate expert.
Chanin lucked out by winning this raffle, but these co-workers feel they hit the jackpot every day just by being on the same team and watching out for each other and their group. When asked about the Hero Card for handling unlabeled waste, Chanin explained the situation but also immediately thought of Warren. That level of teamwork may be present in many work situations but is not always acknowledged so explicitly. And who knows, maybe Warren’s Hero Card number – or yours – will pop up at the next raffle, when all the Hero Cards registered during the last four quarters are entered into a random drawing.
Hero Cards are one way Berkeley Lab invites you to recognize the heroes that help “safe” your work day. Anyone can give one to anyone – so get a few from [email protected] and make it “a thing” in your group. Be sure your recipient understands that in order to enter the raffle, the card must be registered. And also remember to “pass it on.” Two winning numbers are drawn every quarter, and each winner receives $50. For details on all safety awards, see: Safety Awards at a Glance.
