SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – Sgt. 1st Class Tony W. Scott, the equal opportunity adviser for the 130th Engineer Brigade, was recently awarded the Army Individual Award of Excellence in Safety, the top individual safety award in the U.S. Army, July 22 at Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
Scott competed against nominations from more than 50 Army installations across the world.
“It goes back to when I joined the Army: Safety first! Safety first!” said Scott. “If we push safety to the side, how effective are we as a unit, and what are we teaching younger Soldiers?”
While assigned to the John W. Kreckel NCO Academy at Fort Campbell, Ky., Scott served as a platoon sergeant and the academy’s primary Safety Officer. As the acting safety officer, he implemented several initiatives to increase the safety of the Soldiers and civilians including introducing outstanding accident reduction policies, procedures, and programs for the NCO Academy.
He said using an online portal known as blackboard, which is used for online training, allowed him to post safety bulletins, highlight safety concerns, and improvements and it both instructors and Soldiers could access the information.
But what really got him nominated was his attention to detail.
“Because I kept everything documented and up to date, including risk assessments, inspections, safety equipment; they told me that’s what put me above everyone else,” he said.
During fiscal year 2013, the NCO Academy had zero lost time accidents in technical or tactical environments. This was accomplished by completing comprehensive and detailed risk management planning on every mission and task to include classroom and field training exercises.
Scott conducted safety briefs with the academy cadre and civilians prior to starting daily duties and extended holiday and leave periods. He ensured everyone was incorporating safety into their daily on and off-duty activities. He also assisted in the development and implantation of the NCO Academy’s Safety and Occupational Action Plan.
During an Installation Safety Office staff assistance visit, the NCO Academy safety program received a pass rating in all areas and was recognized for continuing to make improvements to an already robust safety program. This program was the most well-documented program found during safety inspections on Fort Campbell.