Director's Corner

An occasion to remember, a chance to recommit

Every spring at Workers Memorial events throughout the state, Caltrans honors employees who have been killed in the line of duty since 1921. This year, I will speak at the 29th annual statewide Fallen Workers Memorial at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, on the west steps of the State Capitol.

We will be paying special tribute to District 11 Highway Maintenance Leadworker William D. Casdorph. A 19-year Caltrans employee, Mr. Casdorph last September fell from an overcrossing where State Route 163 converges with Interstate 805 in San Diego. The father of three was the 189th Caltrans employee to lose his life working for the people of California.

More than 100 family members of those fallen workers attended last year's memorial service in downtown Sacramento, and we felt honored by their presence. When we gather again this week, 189 orange cones will be arranged as a centerpiece for the ceremony, serving as a silent monument to the deceased.

As I said in my speech last year, those cones represent our mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, co-workers and friends. Highway maintenance and construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Work zones are extremely active places that can change from minute to minute. The presence of construction equipment, flaggers and traffic create a busy, loud environment where being alert may be the difference between life and death.

Everyone's safety is our concern, and within Caltrans we must do absolutely everything we can to help protect our workers. With that in mind, we are updating our  Be Work Zone Alert promotional campaign, which puts a spotlight on the children of Caltrans workers. Some of these young people will be featured in videos, and four will have their winning Highway Safety Poster Contest entries displayed at the Fallen Workers Memorial on April 25.

During the week of the memorial, which is our annual Safety Awareness Week (April 22-26), all Caltrans employees must participate in at least two hours of scheduled safety activities. We have several new presentations planned for this year. Talk with your supervisor or a safety specialist in your district (here's a link (PDF) to contact information) to learn more.

I would also like to extend my sincerest condolences to the loved ones of CHP Officer Steven Licon. The husband and father of two was killed on April 6 when he was struck by a suspected drunk driver on the side of Interstate 15 in Lake Elsinore. We must all do what we can to prevent such tragedies on California's roadways.

On another topic, I hope everyone at headquarters caught a bus or took a ride on light-rail in March for Try Transit Month. The Caltrans Walk Bike Transit Encouragement Committee held events to explain and promote walking, biking, carpooling and taking buses and light-rail. Caltrans works hard to have more Californians commit to multimodal, active transportation, so let's continue to nurture that spirit of sustainability within our own ranks. I frequently take the train – it allows me to relax and get work done.

Lastly, I would like to commend all of you who have participated in our relaunched Innovation Station, a place where all Caltrans employees are encouraged to submit ideas that have the potential to improve our organization. Keep those great suggestions coming, and let's all enjoy a creative and, of course, safe spring.