Spotlighting Safety Leaders, Programs at NYCHA’s Annual Safety Symposium
On November 8, NYCHA presented its Annual Safety Symposium to recognize, educate, and promote current and future safety leaders across the city.
Returning to a full educational symposium format for the first time since the COVID pandemic, the daylong event was held at the Johnson Community Center in East Harlem, where hundreds of NYCHA staff and Teamsters Local 237 union representatives were in attendance. The symposium was relaunched in 2022 as a smaller-scale Safety Awards ceremony to honor the efforts of NYCHA employees who work to create, practice, and uphold healthy and safe working environments.
This year, in addition to the safety commendations, the wide-ranging program featured exhibits such as a fire extinguisher demonstration, speakers (including NYCHA executives), breakout groups, employee safety skits, and a luncheon. Chief among the staff participants were NYCHA Safety Associates, frontline workers such as Caretakers, Heating Plant Technicians, and Elevator Mechanics who volunteer to help identify and report on unsafe conditions affecting employees and residents at their locations.
The return of the full-scale Safety Symposium included speakers, award presentations, and exhibits on fire safety and personal protective equipment.
“This year’s Safety Symposium marks a significant step forward in our efforts to support and develop our future safety leaders,” NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt said. “It’s a day dedicated to learning, growth, and recognition. I am proud to stand before you today and reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that safety remains our top priority.”
Throughout the day, educational exhibits were presented by NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) and Office of Safety and Security, as well as Bomark, a vendor that maintains and supplies gas monitoring equipment. Various topics covered included mental health and conflict management in the workplace, the Authority’s Make It Safe program, and safety culture within the NYCHA community.
During the 2024 Safety Awards ceremony, dedicated employees were recognized for going above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment to safety.
Receiving the Yvonne Armstrong Safety Leadership Award was Alexandros Simantiras, an Associate Inspector of Housing Construction in the Lead Hazard Control Department. The new award acknowledges supervisory staff who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to fostering a culture of safety at the Authority.
The Safety Influencer Award, which spotlights non-supervisory staff, was presented to Safety Analyst Wilson Batlle of the Asset and Capital Management division in recognition of his leadership qualities and contributions to workplace safety.
This year’s honoree for the Safety Innovation Award was Heather Belovin of EHS’s Healthy Homes unit. The commendation is presented to individuals who have introduced innovative solutions that significantly enhance safety within NYCHA.
As part of the safety recognition program, Local 237 union representatives selected East Harlem’s Jefferson Houses to receive the Safety First Development Award for the community’s efforts to champion the Make It Safe program and promote a positive safety culture. The union also highlighted several Safety Associates for their contributions to keeping their communities safe and secure. Award honorees included Caretakers Taneesha Allen, Isatou Ceesay, Shakeil Knight, Christopher Quinones, and Courtney Jacobs and Heating Plant Technician Quentin Coleman.
