Creativity and ingenuity are encouraged by perceived need. This innate human characteristic has fueled innovation across history. With the start of the New Year, the Delaware Valley Trusts’ Executive Director and Risk Control Department celebrate members who challenge the status quo by selecting a winner for the 2024 DVT Risk Management Innovation Award. We are very pleased to announce that Whitemarsh Township (Whitemarsh) was selected for their submission titled, “Green Warning Lights For Public Works Trucks”!
Pa. Act 78 of 2024 made green colored flashing or revolving lights for display by highway construction and maintenance vehicles legal in Pennsylvania. Studies show the color green is more visible to the human eye compared to traditional white or yellow warning lights. Other states have implemented the idea; however, until recently green lights were not street legal in Pa. Citing the need to better protect employees and reduce the potential for property damage, Whitemarsh proactively upgraded its public works fleet vehicles to incorporate green warning flashers in time for the 2024/2025 winter plowing season. This initiative evidenced the township’s long-standing commitment to proactive risk management. DVT will be celebrating the township with a recognition plaque, catered luncheon for the project team, and $1,000 prize to help defray project expenses.
Two other submissions received “Honorable Mention” recognition. Both were submitted by Lower Pottsgrove Township:
- Lower Pottsgrove replaced its traditional open-top tar buggy with an inherently safer MA-10 Melter / Applicator. This upgraded equipment not only reduced the risk of employee injuries during handling of hot tar but also improved the quality of crack sealing efforts.
- The Township also installed a heavy-duty vinyl curtain on a roller track in front of its open bay salt shed. The curtain now protects the salt pile from weather-related inventory loss and reduces stormwater impacts caused by chloride runoff.
We congratulate Whitemarsh as well as celebrate all participants for their ongoing commitment to risk management innovation! The Trust is now accepting submissions for 2025! If you are a DVPLT or DVWCT member and believe you have an initiative worthy of recognition, why not submit your idea? For questions on the program, contact your lead risk control consultant: Peter Erndwein, perndwein@dvtrusts.com; Linda Wolf, lwolf@dvtrusts.com; Lauren Conway; lconway@dvtrusts.com.
