MORGANTON — More than 170 NCDOT employees gathered in Burke County for the annual Division 13 Equipment Operators Safety Conference, a two‑day event focused on reinforcing safe work practices and showcasing the technical skills required to maintain roads across western North Carolina.
Under sunny skies at the Burke County Maintenance Yard, crews from seven counties participated in safety briefings, hands‑on demonstrations, and a series of equipment‑operation competitions designed to test precision and control.
“Safety is our No. 1 priority,” said Mikel Kibel, Division 13 Safety Consultant. “Our morning ORM tailgate meetings and the habits we build here carry directly into the field. Our skilled employees demonstrated that they are dedicated to the safety of themselves, their fellow crew members and drivers on the roads.”
Skill Events Highlight Daily Challenges
Employees competed in multiple categories, including:
- Backhoe
- Skid‑steer
- Motorgrader
- Single‑axle truck
- Tandem‑axle truck
- Low‑boy trailer
- Tractor‑mower
Events ranged from maneuvering a low‑boy trailer through a line of tennis balls without touching any to using a backhoe bucket fitted with a spoon to pick up golf balls — exercises designed to mirror the precision required on active roadways.
“These two days provide a controlled environment for our folks to showcase some of the ways we ensure that everybody operates in a safe manner,” Kibel said. “It’s a great way to reinforce our emphasis on safety.”
Winners Advance to Statewide Competition
The following operators earned top honors in their categories and will advance to the statewide competition later this summer:
- Single‑Axle: Ethan Harris, Madison County Bridge Maintenance
- Tandem‑Axle: Stephen Lovelace, Rutherford County Maintenance
- Low‑boy Trailer: Peyton Rose, Buncombe County Maintenance
- Backhoe: Tanner Rose, McDowell County Maintenance
- Motorgrader: Jason Ray, McDowell County Maintenance
- Tractor‑mower: Jesse Massey, Madison County Maintenance
- Skid‑steer: Josh Jones, Rutherford County Maintenance
The annual event is part of NCDOT’s ongoing effort to strengthen workplace safety and ensure crews are prepared for the demands of maintaining North Carolina’s road network.
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