Mike Kerr was recently appointed as the Tulsa District Safety and Occupational Health Manager. He served as the Deputy Safety Officer for 5 years. He has been with the Tulsa District Safety Office since 2000.
Q: How long have you held your current position as the District Safety Manager?
A: I’ve been in this job since the last of June this year.
Q: Since you’re relatively new to the position, what’s your background in safety?
A: I attended Northeastern University for a Bachelors degree in Safety Management. I went back to school a few years later and received a Masters in Safety and Industrial Technology from Texas A&M University.
Q: How did you come to work in the Tulsa District?
I came to work here as a co-op student in 2000 as an Industrial Hygienist in the Safety Office. In 2006 I attained my professional certification, Certified Safety Professional. I wound up as the subject matter expert on two USACE High Hazard Working Groups; Fall Protection and Hazardous Energy Control.
Q: When did you become the District’s Deputy Safety Officer?
A: That was in 2008.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
A: When everyone goes home safe to their loved ones at the end of the day. Also, having a great team working together to make the district a safer place than it was yesterday.
Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your new position job?
A: Public recreational fatalities. It's really distressing that we have so many preventable deaths. I really urge people to learn to swim, know your limitations, watch our children, don’t drink and operate, and buckle up that PFD!
Q: What are some of your interests outside of work?
A: Absolutely love watching my daughter play softball and teaching her the fine art of crappie fishing. I also like spending time with my friends and family around a campfire, telling stories and tall tales about the one that got away (he said with a wink).
Q: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
A: I'd like to give a special thanks to those that have coached and mentored me throughout the years both here in SWT and all over USACE.