A new program at Henderson operations is encouraging ongoing commitment to safety by presenting employees who reach safety milestones with “challenge coins” for maintaining injury-free records over specific time frames.
Starting the program off right, five employees were recognized with the coins for working more than 30 years injury free during recent Mine Safety and Health Administration refresher classes. Those recognized:
Mike Aguilar, Mine Engineering Specialist II – 46 Years Injury Free- Frank Burnett, Supervisor, Electrical Maintenance – 44 Years Injury Free
- Dave Vigil, Senior Laboratory Technician – 39 Years Injury Free
- Rick Sinclair, Senior Supervisor Mine Development – 37 Years Injury Free
- Norm Strang, Mill Diagnostic Mechanic I – 34 Years Injury Free
“Although working safely is an expectation of everyone every day, doing it 30-plus years is an inspirational accomplishment worth acknowledging and celebrating,” said Stuart Teuscher, General Manager-Henderson. “Our challenge coin program does just that. I want to congratulate and thank Mike, Frank, Dave, Rick and Norm, and I look forward to continued recognition for our team members in the years to come.”
The employees received the set of 12 unique challenge coins with iconic Henderson images such as the Henderson mine headframe, the primary semi-autogenous (SAG) mill, the conveyor tunnel portal and the underground crusher. The recipients also received an engraved walnut stand to display the coins.
Safety milestones begin at 120 days, progress annually up to four years, and employees receive a coin every five years upon reaching five or more years of injury-free days.
Strang has worked at the Henderson mill for 44 years and has been injury-free for nearly 35 of them. He was recruited in 1980 by a family friend at a local watering hole and onboarded as a summer hire performing reclamation work.
During his time at Henderson, Strang has worked alongside other family members including his brother, son and nephews. What is his advice for other employees who aspire to achieve the safety milestones reached by him and his colleagues?
“Cover your tail,” Strang said. “Keep your head on a swivel. Don’t ever take anything for granted.”