Robert Smith said Indian Capital Technology Center safety program’s certification assures him the program is a quality one.

“The fact that they’re now certified gives us confidence that what we get out of their program is top notch,” said Smith, chief financial officer and human resources manager for Advantage Controls. “We’re excited to see what they provide.”

ICTC’s safety program has been designated a Safety Center of Excellence by the Oklahoma Department of CareerTech.

“Our baseline is to meet or exceed Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards,” said Tony Barrett, ICTC safety coordinator.

More than 24,000 people were trained last year in the district for a total of 3,067 hours. The district includes Muskogee, Cherokee, Wagoner, Sequoyah, Adair and parts of McIntosh and Okmulgee counties.

The ICTC program includes training in forklift certification, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid, bloodborne pathogens, working in confined space, fall protection, chain saw use, safe use of ladders, and personal protection equipment. Training can be customized to meet client needs.

Barrett said he and a team of about seven have spent almost two years on an improved safety education program to be eligible for the certification. Staff was required to undergo a specific number of training hours. More than $50,000 was spent on equipment.

One unique feature of the safety program is it’s mobility. Barrett said most of the education available in classes are being delivered on-site.

A representative for one of Muskogee’s largest employers said his company endorses the ICTC program. Georgia-Pacific Public Relations Team Leader Gill Luton said safety training is a constant process.

“What ICTC offers helps us educate new and current employees,” Luton said. “Our online training is provided by ICTC as well. All of our employees are required to participate in and complete annually in safety training. We want all of our people to leave at the end of their work day and go home in the same condition as when they came to work.”

Smith said the upgraded safety program will benefit Advantage Controls.

“This is a very valuable opportunity to brush up on our existing safety training,” Smith said.

Reach Keith Purtell at (918) 684-2925 or kpurtell@muskogeephoenix.com.