Safety is no accident: St. Paul District reaches key milestone in safety program

Official Statements

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, November 9: “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, marked the full implementation of the Corps of Engineers Safety and Occupational Health Management System Stage 3, in August, advancing forward to the Army Star.

  The safety milestone validates the district’s number one goal - protecting employees.

  “A safety culture focuses on continuous improvement and being proactive,” said Aaron Pieplow, safety and occupational health chief. “The ultimate goal is a workplace where safety is second nature with an unwavering response to protect the irreplaceable, you.” The management system provides a framework for the safety program and acts as a detailed report card for the safety programs and processes that help advance safety culture toward the ultimate goal - better protection for employees.

  “Change does not happen overnight,” Pieplow said. “That’s why CESOHMS is designed to be a phased approach following the ‘crawl, walk, run’ method - positioning the district for the Army Star recognition.”

  Since 2017, the district has been navigating the safety management system through three stages: documentation; implementation and execution; and sustainment and continuous improvement.

  “This accomplishment is a reflection not just on the dedication of our safety team, but on the district as a whole,” said Jilliane Jaeger, acting deputy district commander. “It has taken everyone’s commitment toward a safe and healthy workplace to reach this destination. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

  “Over the next few months, the safety team will be working hard to polish its processes, survey the workforce, organize/deliver safety trainings, and prep program elements for the next milestone. There will be more to follow in the coming months,” Jaeger said.”