Mesa Water Receives Safety Award From Association Of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority

COSTA MESA, Calif.; December 16, 2020 – A Mesa Water District (Mesa Water®) employee has been awarded the H.R. LaBounty Safety Award from the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority (ACWA JPIA), for his dedication to safety innovation.

ACWA JPIA is a risk-sharing pool for property, liability, workers ’ compensation, and employee benefits, which allows for more rate stability, broader coverage and expanded benefits and services than private insurance. The H.R. LaBounty Safety Awards Program recognizes ACWA JPIA water industry employees who implement significant safety improvements to prevent occupational injuries/illness.

Mesa Water employee Alex Garcia, Operator I/II Water Operations, was selected as a winner for eliminating a potential safety hazard by recommending that a dump truck be fitted with a welded ladder to safely enter and exit the back of the truck.

“Mesa Water has fostered a safety culture that recognizes and rewards employees who implement risk-reducing practices,” said Fred Bockmiller, Mesa Water Director, and ACWA JPIA Board member. “Our Operations team’s safety ambassadors collaborate regularly on safety opportunities and provide multiple ways for all staff to share safety innovations. We are glad to have Alex Garcia as part of the team and this award is a testament to his talent and foresight in safety best practices.”

The H.R. LaBounty Safety Awards program is designed to promote risk reduction best practices, including those in JPIA’s Commitment to Excellence (C2E) Program, which highlights the following categories: vehicle operations, ergonomics, construction activities, infrastructure, wildfire prevention, and employment practices.

This is the second consecutive year that a Mesa Water employee has received the H.R. LaBounty Safety Award. Mesa Water recently completed two years without a lost time accident.