Texas Tech University

Huckabee College of Architecture First College to Receive President's Safety Award

October 2023

The Huckabee College of Architecture was honored as the first college recipient of the Presidential Departmental Excellence in Safety Award. The College has worked diligently to improve safety programs and culture within its scholarly activities for many years. Efforts include clean out and reorganization of college shop spaces, implementation of a two part hybrid training program before access to shop spaces, electronic sign in / out systems, dust collection systems, and installation of AED and Trauma units in the building. 

The image gallery above shows the progress made in the shop environment. Improvements in shop security and training also took place. Individuals cannot access the shop spaces until training is completed. Online introduction and assessment is completed before an in-person training session with a shop leader using shop equipment and directions on a stamped wooden board .

Shop training tool

Students use various saws and drills utilizing different cutting techniques to demonstrate proficiency prior to shop access authorization. 

Shop managers within the College are also active initiators and participants in the Shop Manager Safety Group, including hosting the first meeting.

At the award ceremony, the Review Committee and President Lawrence Schovanec spoke on the College's commitment to safety excellence and commended the ongoing efforts to create a robust safety culture in college operations. 

Funding Impact

Architecture PPE and swag bagThe Huckabee College of Architecture (HCOA) used the funding to purchase college swag and personal protective equipment (PPE) for their students to keep and use while in the shop spaces. Once a student completes the hybrid shop training course, consisting of an online introductory course and in-person hands-on session with a shop leader using the stamped wooden board pictured above, they receive a bag from the shop team. They receive a draw string backpack, safety shirt, dust mask, hearing protection, safety glasses and lanyard. The PPE swag bags are well received by students. 

The PPE swag bags along with PPE stations (funded by HCOA) sends the message to shop users that they are committeed to ensuring PPE is used in shop areas.