Summer 2013 Vol 27 Issue 1 - OSFMA

2013 Oregon GOSH Conference Honors Safety LeadersSafety and Health Professional AwardPatrick Wolfe, Portland Public SchoolsWith buildings from the 1920s and a tight operating budget,Patrick Wolfe faces countless challenges as the environmentalsafety and health manager at Portland Public Schools.“The size and complexity of the district is my biggest challenge,”Wolfe said of the school district’s 84 buildings and 5,000employees. “These buildings require constant maintenance. Howdoes one remain proactive in the face of such complexity?”Wolfe has figured out a way, earning high praise from fellowmanagers and staff in the facilities department.“In the face of repeated reductions to his department (four staffhave been lost to budget cuts in the last couple years), Patrick haspersonally undertaken field inspections and implemented controland response actions,” said Wolfe’s nominator.Some of the issues Wolfe has managed in the 13 years he’sbeen at the district include education around safe work practices,asbestos in buildings, and monitoring indoor air quality.“We respond to each concern,” he said.Another more timely and poignant issue for Wolfe is workplaceviolence, particularly in light of the recent Sandy Hook Elementaryshooting.“Between our efforts training and drilling, there is hugeawareness about emergency preparedness and security,” Wolfesaid. “We are seeing an increase in not only awareness but an actualresponse from our staff. Theyare asking for us to look at theirschool and see if we can domore.”Wolfe has been instrumental in developing a health and safetyhandbook, a program to track training for maintenance staff, anda flu outbreak procedure for the district. The flu outbreak plan hasalready been used this year and not only helps protect studentsbut also staff.“As soon as we see the number of absences start climbing,communication is key,” Wolfe said.Under Wolfe’s direction, the district’s response to safety andhealth matters has improved thanks to his hands-on approach.“The workforce knows if they write up something that says‘safety,’ it’s a priority,” he said.Leaders in safety and health were honored with awards atthe 2013 Oregon Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health(GOSH) Conference, at a March 6, 2013 ceremony at the OregonConvention Center in Portland. A panel of industry professionalsjudges the awards, which honor extraordinary contributions tothe field of workplace safety and health. The categories includeoutstanding employers, individuals, and associations. vOSFMA CertificationsOSFMA Certified School Facilities Managers• 1999 – John Rexford• 2000 – Tana Stewart• 2000 – Ted Evans• 2001 – Eric Shawn• 2001 – Paul Eggleston• 2002 – Chuck Volz• 2003 – Deen Hylton• 2005 – Ron Stewart• 2006 – Melinda Shumaker• 2007 – Tim Seery• 2009 – Joe Gamble• 2009 – Tim KaufmanOSFMA Certified School Facilities Specialists• 2000 – Tana Stewart• 2001 – Eric Shawn• 2001 – Gary King• 2007 – Mike Wilson• 2007 – Mike Tiller• 2008 – Mike Riseling• 2009 – Tim Kaufman• 2009 – Joe Gamble• 2012 – John Gilbert26 OSFMA News Directory 2013