Rockford Maintenance Facility Goes the Extra Mile for Safety

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Zero injuries in 2020 helped the Rockford maintenance site earn the Illinois Tollway’s annual 2020 Go the Extra Mile for Safety Award, a competition among the agency’s 12 maintenance sites for best safety performance each year.

Maintenance workers are responsible for making sure that the five roadways that make up the 294-mile Tollway system provide safe and efficient travel for Tolllway customers. They plow snow, provide roadside assistance and, oftentimes, arrive first on the scene in response to emergencies. 

“To do this job without a single injury is amazing,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez, noting the many challenges maintenance workers face in doing their jobs safely. “It shows that you put a lot of care into your work – pride and professionalism – and doing things right.”

Alvarez was among several Tollway leaders who participated in an awards celebration on May 10 to recognize the safety achievements by the Rockford maintenance site staff led by Manager Robert Capuzi and Supervisor William Ryan. 

The Tollway’s Go the Extra Mile for Safety Award is presented each year to the maintenance facility with the highest cumulative score based on three safety criteria: incident rate, Toolbox Safety Talks and positive feedback from managers and supervisors who observe and document outstanding safety practices. 

In addition to reporting zero injuries in 2020, the Rockford maintenance site posted the second highest score in positive feedback. The feedback comes from managers and supervisors at each maintenance facility who document safe behavior. 

Alvarez noted the Rockford maintenance facility’s success in the positive feedback category demonstrates that their efforts to maintain a safe work environment are noticed and appreciated. 

“It is my hope that this trophy will serve as a reminder that your efforts are always appreciated,” said Alvarez.

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