EDISON, NJ — In June, the sudden passing of OSHA Compliance Assistance Specialist Mike Corbett left the New Jersey Safety Community mourning an industry icon. While his family, friends, and coworkers continue to heal, the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ) chose to rename the Safety Recognition Program in his honor.

The formerly named Safety Recognition Program is intended to identify those that have shown an exemplary commitment or random act of safety that has made them stand out for their efforts. Corbett showed an exemplary commitment to safety every day.

On July 15, 2022, at ACCNJ’s Safety Council Meeting, the first Mike Corbett Memorial Safety Award was presented to Special Government Employee (SGE) Mike Hennebery, CHST, Corporate Safety Director at Torcon Inc.

As a career safety professional, Hennebery embraces Torcon’s core values of safety and the well-being of all their employees and subcontractors. During his 25-plus years with Torcon, he has been an integral part of the company’s drive to continuously enhance their safety & health culture.

For over 30 years, Torcon has been part of OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program. They were the first construction firm in the nation to be recognized for multiple Star sites. They have the first VPP Star construction site to ever be recertified; the first VPP Star pharmaceutical plant site to ever be recertified; and the first VPP Guanin ever awarded to a construction site in Puerto Rico. Not only does this show Hennebery’s commitment to safety, but it showcases his relationship with OSHA, particularly with Corbett as they worked side-by-side to achieve these recognitions.

Hennebery’s coworkers describe him as calm by nature. He listens and provides solutions that are pro-active in preventing accidents and overall safety management. While being part of the safety team is often a thankless position, his coworkers say he makes it better by always being available to take a call or showing up at the project to review the concern firsthand. He is kind, professional, wise, patient, and shares many humorous life stories that are told at the right moments, much like qualities representatives from ACCNJ remember of Corbett.

ACCNJ recognizes Hennebery for exemplifying a passion for safety, showing compassion for others, and living life to the fullest. The association said he is well deserving of the first Mike Corbett Memorial Safety Award.