2021 Utah Safety Professional of the Year (S.P.Y.)
Douglas R. Handy, CSP was this year’s recipient of the Utah SPY award.
Doug has dedicated countless hours of service to the Utah Chapter of ASSP. His accomplishments and passion for safety will always be remembered. Doug retired earlier this year and leaves large safety shoes to fill. Congratulations Doug!!
Excerpts from nominating letters:
“Doug has been one of the most professional, dedicated and knowledgeable safety professionals I have worked with throughout the many years … Doug’s enthusiasm for safety is truly contagious he is one of most optimistic people I have ever met; always seeing the best in people and situations. He leaves a trail of young safety supervisors working towards becoming true Safety Professionals all along his safety path. He constantly looks for opportunities to raise people up and to use the current environment as a learning opportunity, not only protecting the employees now but working with them to build and spread safety into the future.”
“Doug’s dedication to people and their safety goes far beyond the workplace. Doug and his family spend countless hours working with the church, the schools, and all types of organizations dedicated to helping people and families better their lives. Doug’s dedication to his church, family, friends and community are second to none! I honestly have no clue where Doug finds the time and energy to help as many people as he does.”
“Doug’s dedication and enthusiasm are already sorely missed just a few short weeks into his retirement. Thankfully his mentorship to so many will ensure that his lessons will continue to be passed on, ensuring that everywhere Doug touched will continue to be influenced.
I whole-heartedly recommend Doug Handy for any and all safety recognition. There is no one within the state of Utah that I can believe has more of a passion for safety and has spent their entire career ensuring that so many are able to return home safely each night.”
Brad Whitworth
Brad Whitworth was a long time Member of our the ASSP and our Chapter, and even a longer time Safety Professional. He impacted countless lives in Safety, Sports and just life in general.
Brad was a Safety Professional for 25 years out of his 34 year career with UPS> He was the Safety Manager/Director over various States and areas of the Country, as well as working on the UPS Corporate Safety Team where he was able to travel and enhance Safety processes in China and other parts of the world. Brad was a preminiate speaker and trainer, as well as respected presenter at conferences of large groups, down to the safety of the one individual. His influence is long remembered.
His family was his key to life, with his wife of 39 years – Kelly and their 7 children, and now 10 Grandchildren.
Brad also left his legacy in various sports, but focused on Football, where he assisted Boise State and the University of Utah as a Strength Coach, and where he helped coach and mold defenses and Linebackers for High School aged youth.
Brad was well educated and had the ability to be an expert in many topics, and yet use his emotional intelligence and personality to truly affect people’s lives in all aspects of life.
What an incredible life to celebrate. He will be missed, yet his legacy will long live on.https://www.larkinmortuary.com/obituary/view/bradley-kelly-whitworth–37
2021 Ritchey Science and Engineering Fair
Over the past decade we as the Utah Chapter of the ASSP have participated as specialty Judges for the Ritchey Science and Engineering Fair (Senior Science & Engineering). Each year we have various members of our Chapter act as judges, and we select the projects that we think are the best overall relating to Safety, Health and Environmental. There are 10 overall categories/divisions for this competition – which is a Regional Fair – with those projects chosen as the top ones from Ogden and Weber County Schools. This year the event was virtual.
Once again we were impressed with the projects, thought processes and initiative of our upcoming generation. Great minds in the upcoming generation.
For the 2021 Ritchey Science and Engineering Fair here are our choices.
Mount Ogden Jr. High
Mount Ogden Jr. SR-EV-017 fire suppression using electricity ($300 scholarship)
Northern Utah Academy for Math Science and Engineering
SR – ES – 001 Minimum Slope Required for Induced Lateral Ground Displacement ($200 scholarship)
Clearfield High School
SR – EN – 013 – A Robotics Assistive Device Application in Minimizing Manibus Tremors by Shaylee Stanger ($100 scholarship)
As a note – we also donated $200 to the actual Ritchey Science and Engineering Fair. Each of our chosen winners have a certificate/plaque we make up for them, along with the scholarship donations – which this year will be handled by Weber State University – as this Fair was virtual and there is no live awards ceremony for 2021.
Thanks in 2021 to our Utah Chapter ASSP Judges for this event: Dave Holland, Trevor Hinckley, Sarah Galvez, Joree Felker and Doug Handy.
Utah ASSP Celebrates Life and Service of Dedicated Safety and Health Professional
Ben Gerlach – Dedicated to serving others and saving lives – 30 years as member of ASSE/ASSP
On behalf of the Executive Board of the Utah Chapter of American Society of Safety Professionals, I would like to express our sincere condolences. Some of the words that have been used to describe Ben’s legacy are highly competent, kind, caring, and dedicated. A great professional and person. The symbol of a safety professional in word and deed. He was a beloved colleague within the chapter and a great leader. His contributions have made us better and helped save innumerable lives and prevented countless injuries. I am personally grateful to have known Ben and to have learned from his example. He will be missed.
-Trevor Hinckley-
Obituary – https://www.russonmortuary.com/obituaries/harry-b-gerlach-jr/11918/
Coat and Blanket Drive
The collection boxes are out and we are taking collections for the Road Home Shelter. The items we would love to collect are new or lightly used coats, jackets, blankets, socks, and hoodies. If you would like to donate, please drop off your items at one of the 4 locations listed on the announcement or if needed call Dave Holland at 801-540-76 zero six and we can arrange a pickup.