Employees recognized for safety performance

Pam Millard, procurement specialist

When a researcher with the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) dark matter collaboration slipped and fell at a local hotel, Pam Millard, procurement specialist, took steps to help. For her efforts, Millard was recognized with the October Safety Performance Program Award.

Millard was not on duty when she received a call from the hotel owner who was trying to get in touch with someone from the collaboration. She immediately reached out to Tim Baumgartner, infrastructure director, and David Taylor, project engineer with LZ.

“The incident happened off our property; however, Pam stepped in,” said Baumgartner, who nominated her for the award. “Her actions were very appropriate, timely and professional.”
Millard was surprised that she was nominated. “Anybody would have done this,” she said. “Anyone who practices the Golden Rule.”

“Pam is always thinking about the safety of her co-workers and the larger SURF community, including vendors who make deliveries to the Lab,” said Sharon Hemmingson, Business Services director and Millard’s supervisor. “This award is a nice recognition of her willingness to go 'above and beyond' to make sure everyone gets home safely.”

Kevin Bauer, hoist operator

Hoist operators at Sanford Lab are responsible for moving loads and people up and down the shafts. And while much of the work may seem routine, there’s a lot riding on their knowledge and expertise. That became crystal clear when Kevin Bauer, a hoist operator for six years at Sanford Lab and 10 at Homestake, noticed something strange while lowering steel guides for use in construction: the rope was bouncing.

“Kevin shut the hoist down and notified the infrastructure techs right away,” said Gary Larson, facilities maintenance foreman. “It was a good catch and he did the right thing. He would say it’s just part of what a hoist operator’s job is, but it’s where his training comes in.”

Bauer’s quick action earned him the November Safety Performance Program Award.

An investigation showed the steel guides had come loose from the rigging (no one rides the cage when loads are slung below) and fallen a short distance. Bauer’s quick action prevented serious damage to the shaft, said Mike Johnson, Ross Shaft Foreman. “He was at the top of his game.” Johnson nominated Bauer for the award.

In addition to moving loads, hoist operators also perform maintenance work on the hoists.  

“Mostly our jobs are pretty calm, but we’ve got the crews' lives on the line so we need to pay attention,” Bauer said. “It’s a big responsibility.”