Recent STAR Level 1 Award recipient:

Abel Solis, AFSI

Abel Solis, Staff Engineer with Ahtna Facility Services, Inc. (AFSI), has received a Level I STAR Award in recognition of his commitment and contributions to workplace safety. He demonstrated extraordinary acts of leadership and hazard recognition while working on the NPR‐1 Remediation Program. While using the X-Ray Fluorescence machine to screen an excavation site, Abel determined the removal of additional material was required. The removal of additional material deepened the excavation from 2 feet to 6 feet. Before entering the excavation to take additional readings, Abel recognized the change in depth required the implementation of additional safety precautions (sloping and atmospheric testing). Abel used Stop Work Authority and notified the Site Safety and Health Officers (SSHO). After discussing with the crew why a Stop Work Authority had been used, together they updated the Job Safety Analysis and implemented the safety precautions that were in accordance with OSHA’s Trenching and Excavation Safety requirements, which covers entering/exiting an excavation that is greater than 4 feet deep in a safe manner. Utilizing Stop Work Authority can be intimidating, so observing a supervisor employ this tool encourages staff and subcontractors to use it when necessary and reinforces its importance to all other employees. Abel has shown a great understanding and dedication to upholding the ethics of safety and leadership.