WASHINGTON, D.C.—On June 13, Forest Service safety leaders announced the winners of the 2023 Forest Service Safety Awards. The awards, presented during the quarterly all safety teams meeting, honor employees who have significantly enhanced safety within the agency. They recognize individuals and teams for their proactive and innovative approaches to creating safer working conditions, improving practices, managing risks and promoting continuous learning in safety and occupational health. At the Forest Service, safety is a core value, and we are dedicated to fostering a safe, rewarding and resilient work environment.

The 2023 Forest Service Safety Award winners are:

Individual Award Winner—Doug Rammer, Forest Products Laboratory, Research & Development

Doug Rammer demonstrates an unwavering commitment to safety, leading by example to enhance awareness and understanding of the Forest Service's safety and health goals and objectives. Through his diligent research and dedication to quality construction, Rammer has developed numerous standards that enhance the fire and seismic safety of mass timber structures.

Team Award Winner—CIAO Development Team

CIAO, a check-in and -out web application used Forest Service-wide, was recognized for its exceptional performance and innovation. The application provides a standardized enterprise solution to verify the safety of field-going crew members. By monitoring the safety of the Forest Service employees and volunteers, the application assists in a safe journey home. The CIAO Development Team included the following employees:

•    Sandi Ohleger

•    Shelby Kauth

•    Andrew Jatnieks

•    Ronan Malone

•    Fofe Rehbein

•    Erica Carrasco

•    Sam Ingram

•    Jacob Kallie

•    Debby Gonzales

Unit Award Winner—Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit earned recognition for its proactive approach to ensuring all employees had access to CPR/first aid training during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. By initiating and committing to a train-the-trainer course, recruiting both fire and non-fire personnel as CPR/first aid instructors for collateral duties, the unit successfully reestablished essential skills for safely conducting field operations and providing emergency medical care to both their employees and the public. The employees responsible for the success of this training include:

•    Casey Hoffman

•    Erin Miller

•    Rita Mustatia

•    Ian Roberts

•    Christian Fausto

•    Zora Thomas