NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 24, 2012) - John Schnebelen, safety technician at Wolf Creek Dam’s Resident Engineer Office, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Employee of the Month for August 2012.
Retired as a first sergeant from the U.S. Army in July 2009, Schnebelen joined the Nashville District team in September 2009 to oversee the Wolf Creek Dam Foundation Remediation Project’s safety program.
Bill DeBruyn, resident engineer explained construction projects typically don’t have a safety officer specifically assigned to a single project. However, the project’s size warranted a full time safety officer.
“There is a lot of equipment and workers out here on the site and John stays on top of all of that,” said DeBruyn.
Schnebelen works closely with the contractor, Treviicos-Soletanche J.V., and put into place a risk assessment and implemented corrective actions when needed. His actions helped enable the contractor to accumulate more than one million man hours on the project without a lost time accident.
“That equates a year and a half worth of work. Two shifts six days a week,” said DeBruyn. “I congratulate him for his accomplishment. It is a well deserved award.”
Schnebelen is also credited for identifying early training needs and enabling the team to partner with the contractor on a revised Accident Prevention Plan.
Lt. Col. James A. DeLapp, Nashville District commander said Schnebelen’s leadership in safety awareness and commitment for an improved safe work environment has increased the overall safety culture and contractor’s productivity at the same time.
“His commitment to safety, quality, and the mission of the Wolf Creek Foundation Remediation project is a tribute to the Nashville District, Corps of Engineers,” said DeLapp.
In his time off, Schnebelen enjoys fishing and boating with his wife Catherine of 24 years, spending time with their four grown children and five grandchildren, bow hunting and growing monster vegetables.
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