Far Western NCDOT Employees Gather for Safety Conference

More than 160 NCDOT employees gathered over two sunny days for lessons and a review of safety procedures for equipment they use daily to maintain and repair roads in the 10 westernmost counties of North Carolina.

“The ROADEO, as we call it, is important to reinforce our standard safety procedures that help our employees protect drivers on the roads of western North Carolina,” Division 14 Engineer Wesley Grindstaff said. “We are very fortunate to have so many skilled employees who are dedicated to the safety of themselves and people on the roads.” 

Employees competed in one of multiple events: Backhoe, crane, skid-steer, motorgrader, single-axle truck, tandem axle truck, low-boy truck or tractor mower. Each event has its own set of skill tests, from picking up golf balls with a spoon attached to the bucket of a backhoe to knocking tennis balls from a pipe with a motorgrader blade. 

“Safety is our number one priority at NCDOT, and certainly here in Division 14,” said Division 14 Safety Consultant Jason Jenkins. “This event is a practical application in a controlled environment showcasing some of the ways we can help ensure that everybody is able to go home safely at the end long day’s work.”

The following employees won their events and advance to a state competition to be held later this summer.