Banks honored at NSC Congress & Expo for his commitment to safety.
CINCINNATI — Lydell Banks, safety manager at First Student’s New Orleans location, has been named one of the National Safety Council’s (NSC) 2010 Rising Stars of Safety. The NSC honored Banks for his hands-on approach to safety, including the development and implementation of safety programs that decreased the number of fixed object collisions and workplace injuries at his location. Banks was one of 40 safety advocates under the age of 40 recognized at the NSC Congress & Expo awards ceremony held October 5 in San Diego, Calif.
“Lydell has dedicated his professional life to improving the safety of First Student drivers and the students we transport every day,” said Gary Catapano, senior vice president of safety for First Student. “His commitment to safety and creative training initiatives have improved our safety measures in New Orleans and further engaged employees with our core value.”
Banks started his First Student career as a driver in 2006 and became the New Orleans location safety manager in 2008. Since that time, he has developed and promoted a number of safety programs for the location’s more than 450 employees. He implemented a program designed to help drivers better use their bus mirrors and reference points, reducing the number of fixed object collisions in FY2010 by 19 percent over FY2009 numbers. Since joining the team, Banks has emphasized workplace safety and identified areas of training improvement. These programs have helped to reduce work injuries in FY2010 by 24 percent over FY2009 and decrease lost time injuries by in FY2010 by 38 percent over FY2009.
Banks has several programs already in development for 2011. He continues his personal approach by recognizing employees for good practices, holding conversations with drivers on improving safety, and creating new ideas to emphasize and improve safety performance.