College Wins Safety Star

New electric line sets in the updated Culbreth Theatre rigging system replace the old hydraulic setup.
Photo by Steve Warner

The College of Arts & Sciences received the Office of Workers’ Compensation 2007 Safety Star Award from Virginia’s Department of Human Resource Management. Two departments in particular — art and drama — went the extra mile to appoint or hire a staff member to oversee safety issues.

In the McIntire Department of Art, Gallery and Studio Technician Eric Schmidt improved studio ventilation, wrote a safety policy and created an extensive safety-procedures website. His position was established in 2001 to handle the safety and technical aspects of studio activities.

In the Department of Drama, Technical Director Steven Warner oversaw a complete inspection of the Culbreth Theatre rigging system, leading to recommendations resulting in a nearly $1 million system renovation. Other improvements included painting the scene shop floor a lighter color to increase visibility and a new fall arrest system for those working at heights. By 2007, production- or shop-related accidents had fallen to zero. “We’re on a pretty good roll,” says Warner, who arrived in 2006. “In the interview process, the department made it clear and I made it clear that safety was going to be my priority.”

Scene Shop Supervisor David Hale and others helped with renovations. “They saved a lot of money by doing the work themselves,” says Safety Coordinator Barbara Schroeder.

This is the third year in a row that a U.Va. division earned the Safety Star. Facilities Management won in 2005, followed by Housing in 2006. “This year there was some comment made about the University of Virginia monopolizing this award,” said Ralph Allen, director of the Office of Environmental Health & Safety, in accepting the honor.