The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has recognized its crews for outstanding workplace safety achievements in 2024. The recognition took place during the June meeting of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, where ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz and Assistant Director of Operations Taylor Henderson presented awards to various districts.
The Governor’s Safety Excellence Award, which is given annually to the field district with the best overall safety record, was awarded to District Six. This district, headquartered in Buffalo and led by District Engineer Jon Logan and Safety Manager Jarrid Drew, covers Cimarron, Texas, Beaver, Harper, Ellis, Woodward, Woods, Alfalfa, and Major counties. In 2024, District Six worked over 240,000 hours with three injuries reported but no lost workdays.
District Five received the Progressive Excellence Award for showing the most improved safety rating in 2024. Headquartered in Clinton and led by District Engineer Brent Almquist and Safety Manager Kenneth Carlisle, this district reduced both accidents and lost workdays significantly. It encompasses Roger Mills, Beckham, Harmon, Greer, Jackson, Dewey, Custer, Washita, Kiowa, Tillman and Blaine counties.
Additionally presented were the Director’s Safety Awards recognizing units within each of ODOT’s eight field districts plus its Oklahoma City headquarters for their exemplary safety efforts. These awards take into account factors such as safety practices as well as housekeeping standards.
The award winners for 2024 include:
– District One: Cherokee County Maintenance Crew
– District Two: McCurtain County Maintenance Crew
– District Three: Johnston County Maintenance Crew
– District Four: Oklahoma City Residency
– District Five: Sayre Yard Maintenance Crew
– District Six: Division Wide Maintenance Crew
– District Seven: Murray County Maintenance Crew
– District Eight: Special Maintenance D Crew
– Oklahoma City Headquarters: Central Office Bridge Division
This year’s ceremony highlighted not only the achievements of individual districts but also underscored ODOT’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe working environment across all its operations.
