NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic, Public Works Department Maine Focus on Safety

From Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs

June 16, 2010 - ELIOT, Maine (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic and PWD Maine held a contractor safety forum June 10 at the Regatta Conference Center in Eliot, Maine to discuss ways in which NAVFAC and its contractor partners can work together for a safer workplace.

NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Libonate welcomed nearly 150 attendees with his opening remarks before the safety managers took the floor to discuss safety trends and lessons learned.

"Safety is more than a program, it's a mindset," said Libonate. "No matter your experience level, you have an obligation to look out for the safety of yourself and others."

Local contractors were also given the opportunity to present expectations for an effective contractor safety program.

Cmdr. Rod Moore, PWD Maine Public Works officer, led the panel in a question and answer session which gave attendees the chance to ask questions about NAVFAC's safety program and priorities.

Contractor safety forums like these bring NAVFAC and its contractor partners in line with NAVFAC's safety policy. The highest priority is to ensure the health and safety of every NAVFAC member and contractor partner, with a goal of achieving a zero mishap workplace. As part of the NAVFAC Total Force, success depends on NAVFAC and its contractor partners' ability to operate safely every single day.

Additional discussions included workload projections, an explanation of the source selection process and tips for small businesses and how they can get started with NAVFAC.