Karen Trapane
Title: Senior Safety Consultant, Department of Environmental
Health and Safety.
Duties: Serving as a consultant on safety issues
for TSRI service departments, including Animal Resources,
Environmental Services, Glasswashing, and Engineering. This
involves working with employees on topics ranging from ergonomics
to fire safety, documenting her recommendations through consultation
reports, keeping up-to-date on current environmental health
and safety rules and regulations, and developing employee
training programs to heighten safety awareness.
Favorite Parts of Job: "I love the people. I like
not being tied to my desk. I enjoy learning what others do
for a living."
Biggest Challenge: "Keeping employees up to speed
on safety issues—the rules change constantly and the
people change constantly. But one-by-one we'll try to get
to everyone."
Background: Masters degree in health sciences from
Florida State University. Work experience in corporate wellness,
focusing on human behavior and illness prevention. Transitioned
into the safety field, which she has been in for the last
nine years, via an interest in ergonomics.
Safety Advice: Be aware: pay attention to what kind
of personal protective equipment you are using and what is
appropriate for maximum protection. Focus on the best way
to do your everyday—or unusual—tasks. Use your safety
consultant to find out the most appropriate and safe way to
do the job. "Ask questions! That's what I'm here for."
Extracurriculars: Lead singer in the seven-member
band Plato Soul (www.platosoul.com), recently featured on
AM talk radio's Phil Hendrie Show. The band—whose repertoire
includes songs from the 60s and 70s, in addition to original
music—plays at clubs and private functions (parties,
weddings, receptions). Upcoming gigs include a show at Fat
Katz in Encinitas October 11 and 12. "We all have other jobs.
That keeps making music fun."
Trapane also makes time for her family, which includes a
son, 10, and daughter, 6.
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By day: Karen Trapane, TSRI safety consultant.
By night: "KT," lead singer for band
Plato Soul.
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