The Employee Recognition Committee of the Staff Senate would like to announce that Robin Harding, Radiation Safety/Hazardous Materials Technician for UNK is our Employee of the Month for March. Robin works out of the office of Public Safety. She will also receive KUDOS recognition from the Board of Regents at their next meeting.
Robin Harding began her employment at UNK as a Laboratory Storekeeper in the Chemistry Department. Through a great deal of study and effort, Robin became a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager. Daily, she conducts inspections, reviews programs, and provides assistance to departments. Since she is the single point of contact for matters concerning hazardous waste and materials, Robin is exceptionally active. She consistently reviews available information for ways to improve the HAZMAT program and reduce costs associated with the collection and disposal of hazardous materials. When the university first started identifying, collecting, storing and disposing of unneeded hazardous materials, associated costs were $4,000-5,000 per shipment twice a year. Now, because of Robin's work, the average cost to the university is only $1,200 per shipment.
Robin's training programs have helped employees to understand and deal effectively with the storage and disposal of hazardous materials. In an effort to increase the efficiency of her office, Robin sought a source for Material Safety Data Sheets other than the commercial one used by the University system. She found a free source on the Internet, thereby eliminating the need for purchasing the information, which resulted in savings of approximately $1,200 per year to UNK. The University system is also now using that source.
Robin Harding is a highly dedicated employee of UNK. Her expertise in the HAZMAT area has been invaluable in providing advice and assistance in dealing with very complicated issues. We are pleased that Robin has been honored with the Employee of the Month Award.