Safety Officer II

Kenneth M
Kenny is a Safety Officer II for Medxcel in Indiana. In his position he is responsible for the Environment of Care Program and sits on the hospital committees for Environment of Care, Safety, and Emergency Management. As a safety professional, Kenny is responsible for coordinating, collecting, disseminating, and intervening in all areas of safety and is accountable for identifying, preventing, and controlling hazards within the facility. Kenny works with the customer and the Medxcel compliance team to maintain continuous survey readiness, complying with all regulatory agencies including The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), The Joint Commission (TJC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), state and local agencies, and identified industry best management practices (BMP). Kenny regularly partners with Facilities Managers, other Safety Officers, and managers and staff at the facility, working together to ensure safety and compliance and achieve organizational goals. He is also responsible for implementing and maintaining the Environment of Care Program at his site, including safety and security management, fire safety, hazardous materials and waste management, medical equipment, utilities management, emergency management, and environmental stewardship.

 
“Medxcel allows me to have a fulfilling job and balance in my life so that I have time to do the things that are important to me, spending time with my family and volunteering in my local community. I love working with kids in the community. I’ve done a lot of coaching and have volunteered with Special Olympics and Logan’s Promise.”
 

How did you arrive in this role?

After high school I studied electrical engineering for several years but decided that wasn’t the path for me. I had already met my wife and I switched to a technical school and got an Associate Degree in electronics. My first job was for a company that did consumer repairs on radios, televisions, and audio systems. After five years there I moved to a communications company where I began working with fire alarms, card access systems, nurse call systems and TV security systems. After about six years there, the hospital in Evansville had an opening for someone to take care of those types of systems. My responsibilities are broader than those of the normal Fire Tech because of my extensive experience with other types of electronics systems. My other team member only works with the fire systems. Five years ago, my position transitioned to Medxcel, and I’ve been here for 21 years now. Most recently I moved into my safety role.

What training and development opportunities has Medxcel provided you with? 

Medxcel has provided me with the opportunity to receive several certifications. They’ve sent me to classes enabling me to receive my NICET level II certification in fire alarm repair, testing and inspection, and also my NICET level I certification in fire alarm sprinkler systems.

What is the best part of your job?

It’s the job itself; I love my job!  My job is very diverse. I don’t come in to work every day and do the same thing over and over again, the variety keeps it interesting all the time. Every day is interesting and all of the friendly people I work with make it really fun.

Which of Medxcel’s Core Values speaks to you the most?

I like all of the Medxcel Core Values, it’s hard for me to choose just one. I’m a religious person and they all speak to me. I came to work at the hospital over two decades ago because my son was a newborn and I wanted to spend time with him; I wanted to get off the road and get on more of a set schedule so I could spend time with my family. Medxcel allows me to have a fulfilling job and balance in my life so that I have time to do the things that are important to me, spending time with my family and volunteering in my local community. I love working with kids in the community. I’ve done a lot of coaching and have volunteered with Special Olympics. I am currently a volunteer with an organization called Logan’s Promise. The founder started Logan’s Promise in honor of his son who was killed by a drunk driver, to raise money to help pay for taxi or ride shares for people who are drinking, especially around the holidays. We also go to high schools and other classes and educate folks about the dangers of drinking and driving. We’re not pushing abstinence, but responsible drinking. We want people to know they can call Logan’s Promise for a ride or for help. One of our employees here at the hospital in the IT department was hit by a drunk driver and killed at 12:30 in the afternoon as she was leaving to go to another site. Her kids have to grow up without her and the driver was sentenced to only two and a half years in prison. That’s rough to hear, she was our friend, so this cause really hits home for me. This job allows me to pursue all of my passions outside of work and to serve others in my local community.

What would tell some if they asked you if they should consider working for Medxcel?

Medxcel is a wonderful, supportive place to work, and the benefits are great. When I was 51, I suddenly lost my first wife. My boss drove down from Indianapolis to attend the funeral and I received a tremendous amount of support from my friends and coworkers here. It’s such a great group of people to work with, understanding, supportive and compassionate. A lot of companies say “we’re like a big family” but it’s just lip service. At Medxcel I feel like my team members really are my family and they were all there for me when I was in a time of need.

 

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