State Presents Governor's 2013 Downstate Occupational Safety and Health Award to PIPCO Companies' Safety Director

SPRINGFIELD—Illinois Department of Labor Director Joseph Costigan presented a Governor’s Award for workplace Health and Safety Award to Bob Janssen, Safety Director of PIPCO Companies, for his proactive efforts in creating a culture of safety for the companies’ employees.  Dir. Costigan presented the award at the 22nd Annual Downstate Illinois Occupational Safety & Health (DIOSH) Day event on Wed, Feb 27.

“I am proud to present this Award of Excellence in Health and Safety to Bob Janssen, who for more than a decade has worked to ensure that PIPCO workers go home at the end of a safe workday,” said Dir. Costigan.  “The Governor’s Award represents an important way for the state to recognize those individuals and their companies who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to worker safety.  Today we celebrate and recognize Bob Janssen, as well as the management and the workers of PIPCO, for making job safety their highest priority.”

The Department’s Safety Inspection & Education Division enforces occupational safety and health standards for the Illinois’ public sector, provides consultation services to smaller businesses and is a member of the DIOSH Day Committee which highlights the importance of workplace safety.  The Governor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions in Health & Safety recognizes the efforts of individuals who implement and maintain safe work environments for employees.

Mr. Janssen, a Peoria-native, graduated from Bradley University in Peoria in 1971 and worked in the   construction industry for 41 years.  Janssen has worked for PIPCO Companies for 21 years, the last 12 as its Safety Director.  Among his notable accomplishments, Janssen created a safety culture that is “proactive not reactive,” earning PIPCO an insurance award for “most improved for safety performance” in two consecutive years.  Through a team effort with his employees, Janssen also developed a “Go Home Safe” program work to foster zero lost work days and zero recordable work-related injuries or other incidents.  Janssen also is also known to check and re-check equipment to ensure workers are not exposed to unsafe conditions.

Steve Cicciarelli, President of PIPCO companies, nominated Janssen for the award for his exceptional safety record.  PIPCO Companies is a full-service contracting firm that specializes in site utilities, site excavation, plumbing fire protection, HVAC, process piping, sheet metal fabrication, electrical, inspection services and project management. Skilled staff and state-of-the-art equipment provide immediate solutions and completed control for project management to design work and installations/repairs.