Kristen Takacs
Santa Fe,NM
Summary
Self-motivated leader who stays calm under pressure and can make quick decisions. Leads by example and cares deeply about employee growth. Brings empathy to interactions with coworkers and the public. Deadline driven, responsive, efficient and focused on improving processes to support NMDOT’s mission and daily operations.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Risk Management Supervisor
NMDOT District 5
Santa Fe, NM
06.2019 - Current
- Provide support to ensure compliance with federal, local and state safety and health regulations to 331 District 5 staff which covers a large territory with 23 maintenance patrols, 5 project offices and the District 5 campus.
- Supervise two employees, complete evaluations, provide direction and training for them to grow within their career.
- Managed District 5 access control and security system, overseeing employee access badges, security cameras, and alarms across 23 patrols and 2 project offices. Monitored camera feeds, scheduled maintenance, assigned access badges and alarm codes for new hires, and deactivated access upon termination, tracked efficiently using Excel.
- Managed the Emergency Evacuation Plan and Fire Alarm System. Updated emergency contact numbers and communicated the plan to District Office personnel. Scheduled annual inspection visits with the fire alarm system vendor and retrieved quotes for services.
- Oversaw Drug and Alcohol program, ensuring compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Association requirements and timely completion of random drug testing for safety-sensitive employees. Collaborated with HR and Executive Staff on reasonable suspicion cases, maintaining thorough documentation throughout the process.
- Manage workers’ compensation claims that include proper coding of injury per OSHA regulations and documentation along with updating the OSHA 300 recordable log.
- Manage and record keep off-the-job injuries, assist HR and supervisors to create modified duty work assignments with reasonable accommodations.
- Respond to and investigate vehicle accidents, incidents and on-the-job injuries by utilizing trained investigation practices, required internal forms, recorders, employee statements, witness statements and supervisor reports. Risk and Safety provides a detailed report and submits to HR and Executive Staff.
- Respond to public concerns / complaints which can include a variety of requests to file a claim for damages to vehicle/self, concerns regarding traffic control in roadwork zones, hazards on the roadway, or driving of DOT personnel.
- Identify accident causes or near miss experiences and provide prevention strategies by conducting investigations usually using a Job Hazard Analysis report.
- Conduct new-hire employee orientations which consist of health and safety resources, covering administrative directives regarding safety, PPE, bloodborne pathogens and workplace violence.
- Work closely with General Services Division/Risk Management claims adjusters regarding property and casualty internal claims and TORT claims submitted by the general public by producing requested documents and record keeping.
- BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Reporting Exposure hours. This is completed online when BLS sends requests for such information.
- Attend pre-construction meetings and ensure Safety documentation is provided by the contractor.
- Investigated incidents and compiled Risk Management reports for Executive Staff and HR, highlighting key findings and recommendations for safety enhancements.
- Coordinated training programs for maintenance staff to enhance skills and compliance. for maintenance staff. Coordinates with ACNM training opportunities, scheduling of employees and produces requisition documents to purchasing to fund training and record keep certifications.
- Teach Defensive Driving and First Aid / CPR to District 5 personnel, maintain Instructor license certification through National Safety Council.
- Review employees per diem requests and sign for approval.
- Coordinate and schedule monthly Safey Management Committee meetings, serve as an Ex-Officio.
- Create Power-Point Presentation for annual Winter Maintenance Meetings and present to personnel.
- Provide safety awards annual to qualified personnel. This includes tracking injuries and at-fault accidents for staff. Assist with the organization, and presentation at the Safety and Service Awards Ceremony.
- Assist Business Administration (Accounting and Purchasing) with annual inventory to include bulk fuel dips of tanks, inventory count at stores and locating of missing Capital and non-Capital assets. Review CPL's (Certificate of Property Loss) for accuracy and that all documentation is included.
- Monitor internal CDL database by updating safety-sensitive employee's driver's license and medical cards.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist-Advanced
NMDOT District 5
Santa Fe, NM
10.2018 - 06.2019
- Conducted Drug and Alcohol testing (random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident).
- Conducted investigations and claim submissions for Workers’ Compensation Claims.
- Conducted investigations and reporting for vehicle accidents and incidents, ensuring accurate coding and filing.
- Conducted annual facility inspections.
- Maintained and organized employees' safety files to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.
- Created training classes in State ELM for DDC and First Aid / CPR for internal employees. Petroleum Storage A/B/C Certifications, District TEE (Road'eo) safety education, Bloodborne Pathogens, Workplace Violence Prevention, Active Shooter, Reasonable Suspicion.
- Coordinate with adjusters to ensure compliance of employees related to on-the-job injuries.
- Attend pre-construction meetings, review pre-construction safety questionnaires to ensure compliance with the contractor.
- Monitor CDL and medical card program.
- Facilitated the processing of TORT claims to ensure timely resolution.
- Assisted the public with submission of TORT claims, facilitating clear communication and timely processing.
- Attended and presented at annual safety awards. Conducted New Employee Orientation.
- Entered new employees into security system, employee database, created and printed employee badges.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist-O
NMDOT District 5
Santa Fe, New Mexico
02.2018 - 10.2018
- Conducted Drug and Alcohol testing (random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident).
- Conducted investigations and reporting for vehicle accidents and incidents, ensuring accurate coding and filing.
- Conducted investigations and claim submissions for Workers’ Compensation Claims.
- Provided Defensive Driving and First Aid / CPR training to employees, maintaining up-to-date certification records.
- Conducted annual facility inspections.
- Conducted fire extinguisher and routine monthly inspections at the District office.
- Monitored CDL and medical card program. Managed employees’ safety files.
- Coordinated with adjusters to verify compliance for employees involved in on-the-job injuries.
- Attended pre-construction meetings to ensure project readiness.
- Attended and presented at annual safety awards. Conducted New Employee Orientation.
- Entered new employees into security system, employee database, created and printed employee badges.
- Provided customer support to the general public for the submission of TORT claims.
- Processed TORT claims to ensure proper submission and documentation.
Occupational Health and Safety Officer
Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company
Santa Fe, NM
05.2009 - 03.2017
- Evaluated workplace compliance with OSHA General Duty standards, implementing strategies to resolve deficiencies and ensure a safer work environment.
- Identified accident causes and optimal prevention strategies by conducting thorough investigations and analyses.
- Developed recommendations to reduce hazards by improving gear, behaviors and procedures.
- Eliminated dangerous behaviors potentially impacting worker safety in office and retail store settings through careful analysis and process optimization.
- Recommended protective measures against hazardous work methods, processes, and materials, contributing to a safer workplace.
- Created and optimized new employee training on PPE and procedures, enhancing team safety through engaging PowerPoint and video presentations.
- Provided new-employee health and safety training orientations and developed
- materials for presentations.
- Maintained current understanding of local, state and federal guidelines for emergency response.
- Alerted management to unsafe conditions to ensure prompt action.
- Kept informed of activities or changes that could affect likelihood of emergencies, factors that could affect response efforts and details of plan implementation.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
Recruitment Advertising Representative
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Santa Fe, NM
03.2003 - 05.2009
- Developed 8-12 ad layouts per week, sold and developed recruitment page groupings for the Sunday paper.
- Collected information from a broad range of clients, including healthcare, car dealerships, retail, and insurance, while converting data into recruitment advertisements.
- Developed understanding of customers’ needs and used client information to create impactful advertising campaigns that retained business.
- Prospected for new business by cold calling while providing excellent customer service to new and existing clients.
- Coordinated with employees to ensure timely delivery of advertisements to pre-press manager for next day's publication.
- Proofread all legal advertisements with 100% accuracy and ensured timely delivery to pre-press by morning deadline.
Education
High School Diploma -
Phoenix Junior College
Phoenix, AZ04-1998
Skills
- Incident/Accident Investigation
- Hazard Identification
- Decision Making
- Problem Solving
- Data Management
- Training Coordination
- Leadership
- Dependability and responsibility
- Attention to detail
- Time Management
- Customer Relations
- Conflict Resolution
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Written Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Cultural competence
Timeline
Risk Management Supervisor
NMDOT District 5
06.2019 - Current
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist-Advanced
NMDOT District 5
10.2018 - 06.2019
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist-O
NMDOT District 5
02.2018 - 10.2018
Occupational Health and Safety Officer
Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company
05.2009 - 03.2017
Recruitment Advertising Representative
The Santa Fe New Mexican
03.2003 - 05.2009
High School Diploma -
Phoenix Junior College