Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory



July 26, 2022

NIF Operations Manager Tom Kohut flanked by Tiffany Barnett and Jamie KingNIF’s Tom Kohut, center, recently received the “Managers Who Get Safety” award from the American Society of Safety Professionals, San Francisco Chapter. Tiffany Barnett, left, and Jamie King, right, congratulate Kohut on receiving the award.

The American Society of Safety Professionals, San Francisco Chapter, has awarded Tom Kohut, a NIF operations manager, with the organization’s “Managers Who Get Safety” award.

The award is presented to operational managers who have demonstrated significant leadership in safety at all levels of their organization through active involvement and support to enhance the well-being of their employees, environment, safety professionals, and the community.

Kohut was selected for the award for his proactive safety leadership in the areas of quality, safety, and security, and the positive, impactful changes he has made within NIF operations. He was also honored for his unwavering and significant contributions to ensure safe operations for complex and high-risk operations, which have been instrumental. Jamie King, certified laser safety officer at LLNL, nominated Kohut for the award.

“I am grateful and honored to have received the award from the American Society of Professionals,” Kohut said. “Safety is key in everything we do at NIF, and I commend everyone for ensuring that all safety measures are continuously met.”

Tiffany Barnett, deputy assurance manager at NIF&PS, said Kohut empowers everyone at NIF to take personal responsibility for safety and to “think safety” during decision-making meetings.

“Tom demonstrates a collaborative approach as he leads the OSP581.11 (safety) working group by utilizing safety and security resources along with his intimate knowledge of the facility safeguards for worker safety and compliance,” Barnett said.

Barnett said the award demonstrates that the Lab has a committed operational leader who has exhibited the attributes to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

“Having an operational manager recognized for this award is an example of LLNL’s commitment to continuous improvement, safety culture, and a demonstrated sustained excellence to safety management systems,” she said.

The American Society of Safety Professionals is an association that for more than 100 years has supported occupational safety and health professionals in their efforts to prevent workplace injuries, illness, and fatalities.

The San Francisco chapter is dedicated to the promotion of the occupational safety and health profession by providing members with resources, educational opportunities, and networking. The members of the chapter are dedicated to creating a safe work environment by working together with operations to implement safety practices that are both socially responsible and good business, leading to increased productivity and a better reputation and higher employee retention.

—Michael Padilla

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