A panel of industry professionals judges the awards, which honor extraordinary contributions to the field of workplace safety and health. The categories include outstanding employers, individuals and associations.
2009 Oregon GOSH Award recipients
click on a photo to open a larger image
Associated General Contractors Oregon
- Columbia Chapter

Employer
Reese Electric, Inc. of North Bend
Stacy and Witbeck Inc.
(Wilsonville-Beaverton Commuter Rail Project)

Arctic Sheet Metal of Portland

Safety Professional
Al Arguedas
formerly of Skanska USA, Beaverton

Chris Miller
of Associated General Contractors Oregon
-Columbia Chapter

Scott Neufeld
of Special Districts Association of Oregon, Salem

Safety Committee
NECA-IBEW, Portland

Oregon Youth Authority
– MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, Woodburn

Knife River – Medford Operations
Not pictured
Oregon’s Governor Ted Kulongoski speaking at the GOSH Conference
Awards Luncheon
Wednesday, March 11 • Noon-1:30 p.m.
Honoring Achievement
The awards presented this year are for exemplary safety performance by employers, employees, safety committees, and associations throughout the state. Recipients of these awards represent the diversity of industry in Oregon and outstanding achievement in workplace safety.
Introduction
Clark Vermillion, President, Columbia-Willamette Chapter, ASSE
Michael Wood, CSP, Administrator, Oregon OSHA
Welcoming Remarks
Theodore R. Kulongoski, Governor, State of Oregon
Governor Kulongoski
“I’m proud to see how leadership, hard work, and a commitment to safety and health have allowed the Oregon Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Conference to grow into a premiere event. These awards showcase not only some of Oregon’s finest businesses and individuals, but also the commitment to ensuring peace of mind for workers and their families. Their
investment in safety is an investment in our future.”
Ted Kulongoski was sworn in as governor in January 2003. He is the only governor in Oregon history to have served in all three branches of state government and was appointed Oregon insurance commissioner in 1987. Kulongoski led the reform of the Oregon workers’ compensation system, which is recognized nationally for reducing costs to employers while raising benefits for workers. His record speaks to his pledge and commitment to working Oregonians.
Master of Ceremonies
Dave Anderson, Co-host, AM Northwest, KATU-TV
Dave Anderson
Dave Anderson is a native Oregonian, born and raised in Portland. A professional stand-up comedian, he has appeared on Comedy Central, “Star Search,” and “An Evening at the Improv,” along with being a contributing writer for the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” He is currently co-host of the “Mark and Dave Show” on 1190 KEX radio heard daily from 4 to 7 p.m.
Dave also became host of “AM Northwest” on KATU in 2007, after several years as a regular guest host. He has an amazing ability to turn ordinary conversations into hilarious comedy routines, while remaining clean and inoffensive. The Oregonian dubbed him, “The quickest wit around.” Willamette Week said, “He ad-libs better than most comedians write.” Because of his quick wit and audience rapport, no experience is exactly alike.
Dave lives in Portland with his wife Chris, two children, one old dog, a curious cat, and a scared hamster.
Award Categories
- Employer*
- Safety Committee*
- Association
- with dedicated loss control staff
- with no dedicated loss control staff
- Individual
- HealthCare Professional
- Individual
- Industrial Hygienist
- Labor Representative
- Safety Professional
*Every employer or safety committee, regardless of size, is encouraged to apply. Nominees will
compete with like-sized companies. We anticipate several award winners in these categories.















