Communication at Heart of NYCHA’s Annual Safety Symposium
NYCHA’s Annual Safety Symposium returned on September 19 as a platform to recognize, educate, and promote current and future safety leaders across the city.
Communication was the central theme of this year’s convening, with activities and presentations focused on improving communication skills at all levels to empower employees to speak up, listen effectively, and engage with stakeholders across the Authority to enhance safety.
The daylong event, a collaboration between NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) and the Teamsters Local 237 union, brought together hundreds of attendees at the Johnson Community Center in East Harlem. 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.
For many in attendance, the symposium provided the opportunity to learn about the importance of effective communication at NYCHA, as Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt highlighted the issue in her opening remarks.
“In the real estate world you hear the saying ‘Location, Location, Location,’” Ms. Bova-Hiatt said. “For safety, the key mantra is ‘Communication, Communication, Communication’ — a key pillar for creating and maintaining a strong safety culture within our organization.”
She continued, “When our employees feel that they are working in an environment which encourages open communication regarding safety concerns, the benefits are numerous: There are fewer accidents and injuries, problem solving grows, trust is fostered between employees and supervisors, and employee engagement and morale increase. All these benefits are the foundation of our daily work to provide safe and sanitary environments for residents.”
As part of the program, Yvonne Jones, a Leadership and Professional Development Administrator in the Learning and Development Department, led a presentation centered on enhancing attendees’ communication skills and providing tools to become more skilled communicators in their roles.
The wide-ranging symposium also featured various other speakers, employee safety skits, and exhibits, including a fire extinguisher demonstration and a demonstration by Bomark, a vendor that maintains and supplies gas monitoring equipment. In addition, the Local 237 union organized a panel of supervisors who discussed how they promote a strong safety culture within their departments.
“One of our core safety principles is that collaboration with all stakeholders is critical to achieve a safe workplace,” EHS Director Ava-Gay Blagrove said. “Our partnership with Local 237 to host this event annually and support the work and development of our Safety Associates is the embodiment of this principle. It demonstrates what can be achieved through open communication and a shared commitment to safety.”
The daylong event included speakers such as NYCHA executives Eva Trimble and Dan Greene, as well as exhibits on fire safety and personal protective equipment.
Closing out the event was the 2025 Safety Awards ceremony, in which dedicated employees were recognized for going above and beyond to ensure healthy and safe working environments across NYCHA.
Jamel Lee, an Assistant Property Maintenance Supervisor at Pink Houses, was presented the Yvonne Armstrong Safety Leadership Award, which 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 Heating Plant Technician Quentin Coleman in recognition of his leadership qualities and contributions to workplace safety.
This year’s honoree for the Safety Innovation Award was Lawrence Dutton, a Capital Projects Property Liaison in the Asset and Capital Management division. The commendation is presented to individuals who have introduced innovative solutions that enhance safety within NYCHA.
Local 237 union representatives also selected Manhattan’s Straus Houses to receive the Safety First Development Award for the community’s efforts to promote a positive safety culture. The union additionally highlighted several Safety Associates for their contributions to keeping their communities safe and secure. Award honorees included Caretakers Maria Johnson, Emily Gonzalez, Russell Guillot, Rob Lawrence, and Jacqueline Roberts, as well as Heating Plant Technician Ayda Angulo.
“While safety is everyone’s responsibility, I would especially like to thank all our Safety Associates for your vital work, which includes listening to the concerns of your colleagues; reporting unsafe conditions; and collaborating with your peers, supervisors, leadership, and the union to abate hazards,” Ms. Bova-Hiatt said.
The Safety Symposium is a collaboration between NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) and the Teamsters Local 237 union.
