By Stephen Satkowski
Far East District
US ARMY GARRISON HUMPHREYS, South Korea - Chang U-ik, safety and occupational health specialist at Humphreys area office, was recognized Oct. 24 with a certificate of commendation for his efforts in conducting construction management safety education for the Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense-Defense Installation Agency (MND-DIA).
“This is important for both the Far East District and MND-DIA because through the training we can prevent accidents that happen in the field that could lead to loss of human life,” said Chang.
The training provides U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers safety awareness to ensure the safest possible workplace.
“We want to ensure our Korean government counterparts, their contracted inspectors and Korean Military Construction Association (KMCA) contractors have a basic understanding of our construction safety program and requirements for a safe work site,” said Chang.
These seminars are usually the first exposure most Korean construction inspectors, managers, foremen, and supervisors have to the ‘western’ safety culture.
“As a certified engineer, I found Mr. Chang's program a most instructive opportunity to learn the specialized field of construction safety with its regulations and issues that would otherwise remained inaccessible,” said Col. Jin Young-sik, Republic of Korea Defense Installations Agency technical research division chief.
Jin also said the knowledge gained will go a long way in ensuring a safe environment at future project sites.
“I believe the positive influence of his program will spread far and wide and contribute greatly to reducing and preventing accidents in [Republic of Korea] military construction programs,” said Jin. “The valuable contents of his program came even closer to our hearts through Mr. Chang's patience, kindness and eagerness to lend help whenever it was sought.”
This is the fourth time Chang has been recognized by MND-DIA for his training seminars, previously receiving commendations for his efforts in 2005, 2009 and 2012. More than 500 individuals have attended Chang’s classes over the last 12 years.