Nazareth Grounds Team reaches a milestone with a decade of safety
The Nazareth University Grounds team has achieved something extraordinary: 10 years without a lost-time injury. In an industry where employees regularly work with heavy equipment, operate in challenging weather conditions, and perform physically demanding tasks year-round, reaching a decade without a lost time injury is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the team's unwavering focus on safety.
According to Michelle Civiletti, Director of Nazareth’s Facilities Management, the foundation of this success is a culture where safety remains top of mind every day. Under the leadership of Grounds Manager Pete Goodman, the team participates in regular safety training and engages in "Toolbox Talks," discussions tailored to seasonal activities, campus events, and emerging safety topics. Team members also carry safety reminder cards attached to their ID badges, reinforcing a constant awareness of safe work practices.
"We let safety happen organically," Goodman said. "When we see something unsafe, we address it and move on."
That practical approach includes ensuring employees have the proper personal protective equipment, emphasizing hydration and rest during hot weather, adjusting work schedules to reduce heat exposure, and encouraging team members to pause and assess their surroundings. One of Goodman's favorite check-ins is simply asking, "Are you okay?" a question that encourages employees to slow down, refocus, and work safely.
The team's commitment extends beyond their own well-being to the safety of the entire campus community. From maintaining highly visible crosswalks and roadway markings to identifying hazardous trees, developing detailed snow response plans, and keeping equipment and workspaces organized, safety is embedded in every aspect of their operation.
Chris Dayne, Grounds Subject Matter Expert for Sodexo Campus, noted that the team's clean, organized facility, consistent use of proper PPE, and daily safety huddles demonstrate a strong and sustainable safety culture.
The results speak for themselves. According to Katie Gauvin, vice president of Safety, Sodexo Campus, Nazareth's safety performance is exceptional. The team has achieved a Total Recordable Case Rate (TRCR) of 0 and a Lost Time Injury Rate (LTIR) of 0, while maintaining a near-miss reporting ratio of 63:1, significantly exceeding the organizational target of 35:1. In addition, Nazareth earned a 100% score on its EcoSure third-party health and safety audit, demonstrating that its safety program is operating at the highest level.
"Prevention is key," Gauvin said. "To have a TRCR of 0 and an LTIR of 0 in a high-risk facilities management environment shows they have a strong safety culture and truly embrace the zero-harm mindset."
While the milestone is impressive, Civiletti and Goodman agree that success comes from the team's daily commitment to looking out for one another and celebrating small victories along the way. They also credit former Nazareth Facilities Director Peter Lana, and former Grounds Manager Bill Brown with laying a solid foundation on which they were able to build.
Congratulations to the Nazareth University Grounds Department on this outstanding achievement and for setting the standard for safety excellence across campus operations.
Contact
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
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