SafeNYCHA - NYCHA Now

Image of Director of the Office of Safety and Security, Anthony Kotarski

Anthony Kotarski, the newly appointed Director of NYCHA’s Office of Safety and Security, cares about keeping New Yorkers safe. The Queens native, whose career spans community policing, organized criminal and internal investigations, and private security, was excited to take up this new position in November and continue the Office of Safety and Security’s dedication… Continue Reading Community Engagement and Improvement Top of Mind for New Safety and Security Director

Exceptional Colleagues Highlighted June 2023 SafeNYCHA

June 30, 2023 Nii Akrofi Smart-Abbey

NYCHA Recognizes Staff at 2023 Safety Awards

NYCHA’s 2023 Safety Awardees and Safety Associates were honored at a June 28 Safety Awards Ceremony for their efforts to create, practice, and uphold healthy and safe working environments. At the awards ceremony, held at the Johnson Community Center in Harlem, awards were also presented for two employee-nominated categories: Safety Innovation and Safety Leadership. The… Continue Reading NYCHA Recognizes Staff at 2023 Safety Awards

Exceptional Colleagues Highlighted March 2023 SafeNYCHA

March 17, 2023 Nii Akrofi Smart-Abbey

Meet NYCHA’s Asbestos Team Supervisors

Richard Kocurek, Mohammed Hossain, and Jose Seymour lead a small but vital team of asbestos inspectors and handlers who address about 90 percent of asbestos issues in NYCHA developments across the five boroughs. The three supervisors have a combined 87 years of experience in the field of lead and asbestos abatement. Mr. Kocurek, an asbestos… Continue Reading Meet NYCHA’s Asbestos Team Supervisors

SafeNYCHA

November 1, 2022 Michael Corwin

Workplace Safety

Workplace Violence Prevention Is Everyone’s Responsibility NYCHA employees and contractors should immediately report any potential or actual workplace violence by calling the Office of Safety & Security at (212) 306-8800. In case of a workplace violence incident: Retreat from, and do not engage in, a potential workplace violence situation. Act professionally and calmly when confronted… Continue Reading Workplace Safety

November 2021 SafeNYCHA

November 3, 2021 Michael Corwin

Fire Safety at NYCHA

In this photo essay, we’re highlighting the work of NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department which, among other things, ensures fire safety for our residents and employees. The Department’s five Fire Safety Specialists, led by a Team Administrator, are certified fire safety professionals. In addition to ensuring that the Authority complies with all applicable fire… Continue Reading Fire Safety at NYCHA

SafeNYCHA September 2021

September 27, 2021 Michael Corwin

Meet NYCHA’s Employee Safety Oversight Team

The Environmental Health and Safety Department’s Employee Safety Oversight Unit (ESOU) provides guidance to NYCHA staff on how to foster a safe workplace. With a combined 50 years in the employee safety industry as certified professionals, ESOU team members fully understand the importance of safety in the workplace. The team investigates employee safety complaints, conducts… Continue Reading Meet NYCHA’s Employee Safety Oversight Team

February 2021 SafeNYCHA

February 1, 2021 Michael Corwin

NYCHA’s Contribution to “Vision Zero”

2020 was a year like no other in recent memory, requiring commuters, pedestrians, and bicyclists to social distance in the more open streets as part of efforts to avoid the spread of COVID-19. While these measures have helped to save lives, the number of pedestrian-related accidents has risen with the increase in street traffic. Approximately… Continue Reading NYCHA’s Contribution to “Vision Zero”

August 2018 Highlighted SafeNYCHA

August 1, 2018 Michael Corwin

Safety Symposium Puts Spotlight on Safety

About 300 NYCHA employees attended the Authority’s fifth annual Safety Symposium on June 28 at the Johnson Community Center in East Harlem. Interim Chair and CEO Stanley Brezenoff and Teamsters Local 237 President Gregory Floyd and Vice President Ruben Torres welcomed attendees – property managers, supervisors, and safety associates from across the city as well… Continue Reading Safety Symposium Puts Spotlight on Safety

June 2018 SafeNYCHA

June 26, 2018 Michael Corwin

Safety Comes First

In recognition of National Safety Month, here are some tips from NYCHA’s Office of Safety and Security for staying safe on the job and at home. Have questions? Contact the Office of Safety and Security at 212-306-8800 or SafeNYCHA@nycha.nyc.gov. Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls You might not think that slipping at home or tripping on… Continue Reading Safety Comes First

July 2017 SafeNYCHA

July 1, 2017 Michael Corwin

Safety Symposium Puts Eye On Employee Communication

Imagine you are a carpenter at Bay View Houses, and you just removed a splinter-ridden cabinet from an apartment. It’s been a long morning of work, and it’s time for your lunch break. Is it okay to just leave the cabinet on the hopper in the hallway for the time being while you grab a… Continue Reading Safety Symposium Puts Eye On Employee Communication

June 2017 SafeNYCHA

June 8, 2017 Michael Corwin

Safety: A Call to Action

NYCHA’s safety program has now been in effect for four years. In that time, much has been accomplished: Every property management department has its own safety congress that meets once a month; most developments and skilled trades have identified a safety associate; “Make It Safe” activations are taking place; numerous safety-related standard procedures have been… Continue Reading Safety: A Call to Action

March 2017 SafeNYCHA

March 9, 2017 Jacqueline Broner

What’s a Safety Associate?

Safety associates (SA) identify safety issues at their locations and work with co-workers, supervisors and the Office of Safety and Security (OFSS) to prevent on-the-job injuries. An integral part of NYCHA’s safety program, they ensure that safety-related activities are reported to their supervisors and advocate for safer working conditions. The SA role was created in… Continue Reading What’s a Safety Associate?

December 2016 SafeNYCHA

December 1, 2016 Michael Corwin

Have a Safer Holiday Season

Holidays may be the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be the most dangerous. Here’s how to stay safe. • Read the instructions and/or warning labels thoroughly before you set up your fully lit menorah or Christmas tree to make sure it complies with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most manufacturers provide a… Continue Reading Have a Safer Holiday Season

November 2016 SafeNYCHA

November 1, 2016 Michael Corwin

Tips for Safe Snow Removal and Protection from the Cold

Since many of us may be on snow removal duty at home or at work this winter, here are some helpful tips for snow removal and for protecting yourself from the cold. General Safety Precautions Snow removal can be a strenuous activity, particularly because cold weather can be taxing on the body. There is a… Continue Reading Tips for Safe Snow Removal and Protection from the Cold

October 2016 SafeNYCHA

October 1, 2016 Michael Corwin

Interview with Director of Safety and Security Pat O’Hagan

The Office of Safety and Security (OFSS) has four units. What are some recent accomplishments or goals for each? Our Security Unit is responsible for credentialing of employees and others at layered access control (LAC) developments and also provides access control and response at central office and walk-in locations. The expansion of our role in… Continue Reading Interview with Director of Safety and Security Pat O’Hagan

July 2016 SafeNYCHA

July 1, 2016 Michael Corwin

Symposium Underscores NYCHA’s Commitment to Safety

More than 300 employees attended NYCHA’s third annual Safety Symposium, hosted by the Office of Safety and Security at Johnson Houses on June 30. With remarks from NYCHA and Teamsters Local 237 safety leaders, small-group discussions led by subject matter experts, employee safety congress reports, and even an original play by NYCHA’s Safety Players—the symposium… Continue Reading Symposium Underscores NYCHA’s Commitment to Safety

April 2016 NYCHA Notes SafeNYCHA

April 1, 2016 Latoya Jordan

Construction Group Meeting Ends with a Call for Photos!

A special request made at the end of the Construction Group’s meeting has NYCHANow excited. Director of Construction Patricia Zanger asked the group to send photographs of NYCHA staff overseeing or inspecting construction work in visually interesting environments to include in this publication. Just one day later, the first photo has arrived (see right). NYCHANow… Continue Reading Construction Group Meeting Ends with a Call for Photos!

April 2016 SafeNYCHA

April 1, 2016 Latoya Jordan

A Safe and Secure Workplace

All NYCHA personnel are responsible for notifying the Office of Safety and Security (OFSS) of any violent incidents or threatening behaviors, including threats they have witnessed, received, or know that another person has witnessed or received. Any unsafe conditions or practices should also be reported to the OFSS at 212-306-8800.