May-June 2024
IMCDOL
N. C. Department of Labor
Josh Dobson, Commissioner
www.labor.nc.gov
1-800-625-2267
.ПШШ
Special Star Team Member Training
By LaMont Smith, Recognition Program Manager
fhe N.C. Department of Labor (NCDOL) Carolina Star Program conducted its 1 6"' Annual Special Star Team Member (SSTM) Training
on March 5-6 in Greensboro, hosted by Samet Corp. Another training session was held on March 27-28 in Durham, hosted by Skanska USA.
The SSTM Program is designed for those participating in the Carolina Star Program. The program is North Carolina’s version of Federal
OSHA’s Special Government Employee (SGE) Program. SSTM Program participants work together in partnership with Star Program staff
while conducting comprehensive worksite safety and health evaluations.
This volunteer program benefits the NCDOL Carolina Star Program by supplementing its worksite Star evaluation teams. In addition, the
SSTM Program allows industry, SSTM participants and the NCDOL the opportunity to collaborate and share best safety practices.
Since the inception of the SSTM Program in 2009, more than 300 participants have been trained. The 2024 class included two initial SSTM
training classes with a total of 23 participants receiving training. The SSTM training class curriculum continues to evolve and primarily focuses
its training efforts on evaluating safety and health management systems, hazard recognition and the Star Program worksite evaluation process.
The Durham SSTM training class was honored with the attendance and participation of NCDOL Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
Director Jennifer Haigwood. Haigwood’s participation demonstrated her ongoing commitment and support of the Carolina Star Program.
As a result of her SSTM training experience, Haigwood indicated that she found the course to be incredibly worthwhile, combining quality
instruction on the elements of the Star program with valuable hands-on group experiences. Additionally, Haigwood stated, “I also appreciated
working with safety and health professionals from several existing Carolina Star sites, as these folks demonstrated a convincing commitment
to helping other North Carolina employers build a strong culture of safety.”
As the Carolina Star Program continues to grow, maintaining a high standard of excellence remains the goal. Therefore, continued growth
of the SSTM Program is essential to the future success of the Carolina Star Program.
Greensboro Initial Training Class, front row (left to righl)-LaMont Smith,
NCDOL OSH/Recognition Program Manager ; Sharon Owens. NCDOL
OSH; Eric Kiger, Samet Corp.; Cady Anderson. GE Aerospace-Durham;
Barbara Lytle. LeChase Construction: Michelle Evans, NCDOL OSH/Star
Consultant; back row (left to right) Stephen Comer, Glen Raven Material
Solutions LLC; Shawn Daniels, Facility Logistics Sendees; Jairo Nunez,
Butterbal! LLC; Andy Fagan, JPS Composite Materials; David Cullipher,
Regulator Marine; and Chris Sholar, NCDOL OSH/Star Consultant.
Durham Initial Training Class, (left to right)- William Riddick. Nucor Steel:
Jordan Purcell, Leggett A Platt ON64: Carlene Harris. NCDOL OSH/Star
Consultant; Angela Smith, Nucor Steel; John Byrd. Louisiana-Pacific Corp.:
Matthew Fairfield, NCDOL OSH; William Covert. Leggett & Platt ON64;
Jennifer Haigwood, NCDOL/OSH Director; Liam Leaver, Metcon Inc. ; Carra
Herring. Biogen Inc.: Andrew Graves. Holder Construction; Steven Lawrence,
NCDOL OSH; John Montanez, Pfizer; Daniel Sadler, Roanoke Cooperative;
and LaMont Smith, NCDOL OSH/Recognition Program Manager.
1-800-625-2267 ★ www.labor.nc.gov
