Safety Director wins OSHA Award

Bill Burke, Safety Director of Miller-Valentine

Wins Award from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Dayton, OH (July 12, 2010) Bill Burke, Safety Director of Miller-Valentine Group received the Special Government Employee (SGE) of the Year Award from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for Region V which encompasses Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Kentucky. As one of ten regional winners, Burke is now eligible for the national award which will be announced in August in Orlando, Florida. The SGE designation is awarded to individuals who offer invaluable service through their assistance to OSHA in certifying, training, and inspecting construction companies on safety issues.

Commercial construction contractors that have reached OSHA's highest level of safety certification, like Miller-Valentine Group, can provide employees to OSHA who are then assigned to help other companies improve their respective safety record and status.

Those companies that achieve the highest level of safety certification receive what OSHA calls its "STAR" status; that is, they have been scored and documented by OSHA to be superior within the industry. Burke was instrumental within Miller-Valentine Group achieving this status within OSHA.

"Bill's award reflects the great working relationship and level of trust that OSHA has for Miller-Valentine Group," noted Chris Knueven, President of MV Commercial Construction. "We are proud to share Bill's expertise with other companies in order to make the work environment safe for everyone."

Burke has given countless hours to evaluating and mentoring other companies in the region regarding safety issues. Organizations that have received mentoring from Burke include: Wright Patterson Air Force Base, GE Aircraft Engines, Ameridian Specialty Services, Bilbrey Construction, Applied Mechanical Systems, Allied Fence Builders, EGC Construction, and Kelchner Excavating. Under Burke's guidance Wright Patterson Air Force Base received the first Voluntary Protection Program "STAR" designation for a major command center.

In addition to mentoring companies, Burke has provided training sessions to companies on safety fundamentals so that they can receive OSHA Construction and/or General Industry cards.

Prior to joining Miller-Valentine Group, Burke was an Air Force biomedical technician and safety specialist with over 16 years of experience.