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IDOT Blog – Friday, August 2, 2024
Employee Spotlight: Greg Gurski, Occupational Safety and Health Manager
Greg Gurski is the new Occupational Safety and Health Manager – and he’s new to IDOT! Here are some of his thoughts about his job and life outside of IDOT.
Tell me about your job?
I manage the Occupational Safety and Health Unit. Our mission is to manage the IDOT Employee Safety Code (i.e., safety programs) and work with districts to ensure consistent and safe application of the programs.
Most important impact of your work?
The most important part of the Occupational Safety and Health Unit is to ensure all employees go home safe every day.
Favorite part of the job?
I enjoy interacting with all levels of our organization, getting to know employees and understanding what we can do to support them from a safety and health perspective.
Anything to highlight?
Several of us on the OSHU team are new to the department and come from varied backgrounds. Our team has considerable safety and health experience, which will be used to support district safety and health staff, update safety and health programs, improve the safety and health training process, and introduce new tools for employee injury reduction.
Tell us about your department?
OSHU has been tasked with providing centralized direction and control of the department’s occupational safety and health program. While regulatory compliance is essential, we also plan to introduce new processes to improve the employee safety culture.
What prepared you for your current role?
I have a bachelor’s in environmental health from Illinois State University and a master’s in industrial hygiene from the University of Central Missouri. I have worked in various industries, including agribusiness, steel, glass, tire, and beverage equipment manufacturing, overseeing the safety and health process for employees and contractors.
What do you do to contribute to your profession?
I am a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals and have supported safety internships in my previous roles.
What do you like to do outside the office?
I like camping and boating. I enjoy biking, hiking and traveling.
Anything else you’d like people to know about you?
I look forward to traveling to the districts and meeting IDOT employees.