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FMS Receives Safety & Health Award

Scott H. Johnson, Assistant Commissioner for Management and Chief Financial Officer for FMS, received the Metropolitan Washington Federal Safety and Health Council's "Safety Professional of the Year Award" at the council's 17th Annual Awards Program and Ceremony on Thursday, February 26, 2004. The program recognizes federal agencies and individuals who have made significant contributions to safety at the federal level and who have provided outstanding support and assistance to the council during the year.

Under Johnson's leadership, FMS began a proactive Safety and Health Program to improve the safety and health of all FMS employees and contractors. FMS launched an aggressive, nation-wide awareness and training program, focusing on occupational hazards in work processes. The team conducted seminars and workshops, and used posters, employee newsletters and the FMS intranet to distribute safety and health tips to employees. FMS partnered with two other Federal agencies to provide an Annual Health, Wellness and Safety Fair. The event included seminars on a variety of safety and health subjects, as well as health services such as hearing, vision and blood pressure screening.

The Safety and Health Program includes a seamless process with the Workers Compensation Program. FMS conducted site-specific training at FMS' regional financial centers to determine the number, types and causes of incidents, and worked closely with facilities management staff to identify and prevent hazards, conducting quarterly comprehensive inspections and taking any necessary corrective actions. Senior FMS management receives monthly Safety and Health metrics briefings.

FMS also implemented the Automated External Defibrillation (AED) program, conducting training at all FMS facilities. Over 100 employees volunteered to participate as members of the employee Emergency Response Team.