The Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center held various activities throughout the week of June 12-16 in observance of Safe and Sound Week. The nationwide event is designed to raise awareness and understanding of the value of safety and health programs that include management leadership, worker participation, and a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards in workplaces.

The events were organized and led by Perkins Safety Manager John Hall. The staff and students did a sweep of the center looking for anything that could be deemed dangerous in the workplace, and they reported and corrected any issues they found. On June 15, Perkins Job Corps welcomed Greg Gray, area regional coordinator with the Kentucky Fire Commissioners Office. Gray presented information to students and staff on fire safety in the workplace and at home.

Gray discussed the importance of practicing monthly fire drills, having a designated meeting place, and accountability to ensure all are out of the building and safe. Gray also recommend practicing fire drills at unusual times at night and early morning to enhance awareness of the fact that fires don’t always happen at set or convenient times.

Gray also discussed home fire safety and how to evacuate two-story structures using rope ladders especially made for homes with two stories. He also discussed and demonstrated the four classes of fires and types of extinguishers used on them. Students also got to use fire extinguishers.

Perkins Job Corps electrical student Evens Achelus stated, “I really enjoyed the presentation, and learned a lot of things I didn’t know about fire safety. I will be sharing this with my family at home.”

Hall also held confined spaces training for all staff.

Perkins Job Corps thanks Greg Gray and John Hall for their time and training with this valuable lifesaving information. Perkins’ top priority for students and staff is safety.