SIF/PEF salute member for health and safety efforts
Patricia Mason, a medical care representative and the PEF Division 240
assistant council leader, was honored in October for her dedication and efforts
to improving the health and safety of her co-workers at the State Insurance Fund
(SIF) in Albany.
Mason received the 2007 Health and Safety Committee Award for her role at the
SIF when the office moved to One Watervliet Ave. Ext. last year where
construction and renovations caused some less than desirable working conditions.
“There was a lot of construction and abnormal debris falling out of the air
vents,” Mason said.
To resolve the issue, Mason met with PEF health and safety staff and, through a
cooperative and amicable meeting with SIF managers, the ventilation system was
thoroughly cleaned.
Mason has done a lot more in the area of health and safety, such as coordinating
the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training, maintaining the equipment
and posting a current list of first responders. She has also helped develop and
implement a fire evacuation plan and ensured all building fire extinguishers
were placed in accessible locations.
“I’m a nurse and it’s in my nature to look out for people,” Mason said. “I was
very proud to be honored by the committee.”
— Deborah A. Miles
TAKE A BOW — PEF President Ken Brynien (L) presents PEF Division 240 Assistant
Council Leader Patricia Mason the 2007 Health and Safety Award. At right is
Herbert Hennings, Division 240 statewide labor-management chair and Executive
Board member.
— Photo by Radharkrishna Mohan
