Duane Takats
Toledo
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Safety Professional with a proven track record in ensuring workplace safety and regulatory compliance. Expertise in risk assessment, hazard prevention, and emergency response planning, complemented by a strong commitment to team collaboration and organizational goals. Adaptable to evolving challenges, consistently delivering reliable solutions that enhance safety protocols and training initiatives. Eager to leverage extensive experience in a challenging role that fosters professional growth and contributes to a safer work environment.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Warehouse Associate and Trainer
Home Depot
Troy, OH
11.2022 - Current
- Operates forklifts and pallet jacks to efficiently move inventory throughout warehouse.
- Conducts regular inventory audits, ensuring accuracy and organization of stock levels.
- Part of the process improvement and safely team in Processing Department
- Maintained safety standards by adhering to protocols and conducting equipment inspections regularly.
- Trained new employees on warehouse operations, fostering a safe and productive work environment.
- Participated in continuous improvement initiatives to streamline workflows and optimize productivity levels.
- Boosted team morale and productivity by leading morning briefings and setting clear daily objectives.
Track Inspector
Union Pacific Railroad
01.2012 - 2022
- Performs the assigned duties of an FRA qualified Track inspector in order to assist the UP in maintaining stringent regulatory compliance requirements.
- Uses computer to document and track all defects and repairs within Federal guidelines on Federal Railroad Administration Inspection database.
- Assigned responsibility for the inspection of over 70 miles of main track, 3 large yard facilities as well as industry tracks.
- Serves as a first responder for all incidents that occur within my assigned area of responsibility as well as assisting on other Union Pacific tracks in the region.
- Highly knowledgeable in all rules, regulations, processes and procedures pertaining to safety, track inspection, compliance, use of tools and equipment to perform repairs and inspections as well as emergency and safety protocol.
- Serves as local Safety-Team Leader for Pueblo and Colorado Springs work groups as well as continuing help and coordination of safety efforts with other work groups on the Denver, Topeka, and Salt Lake Service Units
- Proficient in the use of hand tools as well as heavy equipment, cranes and trucks for repair and construction of track structure
- Proficient in use of the Microsoft Suite software. Including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
Safety Facilitator
Union Pacific Railroad
01.2015 - 2021
- Performed the Full Time assigned duties of a TSC / Total Safety Culture Safety Facilitator for the entire Denver, Topeka and Salt Lake Service Units for over 300 Union Pacific Employees. Facilitated and coordinated the collection and dissemination of safety issues and trends with the goal being to keep safety first and foremost in the Union Pacific work environment
- Assigned the additional duties of a New Hire Safety Orientation Lead Instructor with the responsibility of developing course curriculum and coordinating all required logistic, procurement and scheduling actions required to execute the New Hire Training Course
- Aided Management Team on the Denver, Topeka/Kansas City and Salt Lake Service Units with monthly, quarterly and bi-annual training of safety material and aids. Assists in the coordination of required safety training
- Provided and Conducted Safety Training at the Service Unit and System Wide Level by traveling the Union Pacific system to aid and train other Safety Facilitators
- Smith System Driving Trainer (Defensive Driving Instructor) for employees in assigned area
- Developed and implemented safety training programs for employees, enhancing workplace safety awareness.
- Conducted regular safety audits and inspections to identify hazards, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Education
High School Graduate -
Harrison H.S.
Colorado Springs, CO01.1997
Skills
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Adaptability
- Organized and Driven
- Willingness to Learn and Advance
- Dependability
- Safety policies
- Microsoft Suite Proficient
- Self-motivated and disciplined
- Safety and compliance inspections
- Training and mentoring
Accomplishments
- Achieved new Slotting and Staging plan of oversize/heavy product by completing a risk analysis within department to reduce employee heavy lifting risk.
- Collaborated with Union Pacific Railroad team of Management and Trainers in the development of a Two Week New Hire Orientation to better prepare new hires for risks they will encounter on the job.
- Achieved reduced Track Authority Violations by introducing a new track authority check system and GPS enabled End of Limits Warning System for all On Track tasks.
Certification
- MHE (Material Handling Equipment) Trainer
- New Associate Trainer
- Federal Railroad Administration 213 Certified
- OSHA 10 General Industry
- OSHA 30 General Industry
- Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Trainer
- OSHA Forklift Certified
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Warehouse Associate and Trainer
Home Depot
11.2022 - Current
Safety Facilitator
Union Pacific Railroad
01.2015 - 2021
Track Inspector
Union Pacific Railroad
01.2012 - 2022
High School Graduate -
Harrison H.S.