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Michelle Lau |
University Custodian Wins
Governor’s
Employee Safety Award
Michelle Lau, a custodian who works in the Science Laboratory Center,
will be honored this month as one of the 2006 recipients of the Governor’s
Employee Safety Awards, an annual honor recognizing state employees
for outstanding contributions to safety.
Lau will receive
the award during a special Aug. 18 ceremony at Sacramento State University.
“Michelle
is a significant contributor to safety in our Science Laboratory Center,” said
Susan Fisher, campus radiation safety officer, who nominated Lau for the statewide
honor. “Her duties are custodial, but she has a trained eye for detecting
lab safety problems.”
Lau — who
earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Cal State Fullerton in
2004 — has worked on campus since 1996, most of that time in the Science
Laboratory Center where students and faculty conduct chemical, biochemical, biological
and other research studies.
“Everyone
wants to go home safe,” Lau added. “Because of the research done
in this building, we have to be more vigilant … respect the danger.”
As examples
of Lau’s diligence, Fisher reported two incidents where Lau spotted something
amiss and acted appropriately by limiting contact by students and other campus
members, while also contacting campus safety personnel to deal with the issue
before it became a hazardous situation.
A self-motivator,
Lau is always very conscientious on safety, said Terry Thompson, custodial services
manager, adding it was a “good fit” when Lau was assigned to the
laboratory building. “She took on the assignment working in this specialized
building on campus and made it her own.”
“I’m
a nosy person,” Lau explained. “I check out what’s going on – construction
and repairs, etc. ”
Because of
where she works, Thompson noted that Lau “has to be aware of the safety
procedures for each lab due to its chemicals, experiments, research and specialized
equipment, and about her cleaning procedures to accommodate the needs of each
separate area.”
Because of
her creativity, initiative and teamwork efforts, Lau was named a Titan Excellence
Award recipient last academic year. The campus award is given to employees who
have provided outstanding service to students, faculty, staff and university
visitors. In her nomination for the award, Thompson noted that Lau “is
often one step ahead of her customers’ and their needs.”
“I love
working here (in the SLC),” said Lau. “This is my home away from
home. There are so many students working and attending classes in this building.
They are like my kids.”
“I really
appreciate Michelle’s efforts,” said Fisher. “It takes everyone
involved in the operations of this building to make the educational experience
a great one and Michelle really does that.
“She
is our first line of emergency response, which is so important in stopping hazardous
situations from escalating,” Fisher added. “She is a great asset
to a highly technical building and is a significant part of the team that keeps
labs safe.”
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