BNSF Honors Kansas City Employee Clintel Betts as Mechanical Safety Employee of the Year

Date
Apr 14, 2015

FORT WORTH, Texas – BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) has named Clintel Betts, equipment operator and laborer foreman, Mechanical Safety Employee of the Year. Betts was recognized at BNSF’s annual Employees of the Year ceremony held last night in Fort Worth, Texas.

“It’s people like Clintel Betts that make me incredibly proud of this company,” said Carl Ice, BNSF president and chief executive officer. “Not only is he a great example of BNSF’s commitment to safety, he’s committed to improving his community and the lives of those around him.”

"I made up my mind a long time ago to be part of the solution."

mechanical facilities at the Argentine Locomotive Maintenance Inspection Terminal, in Kansas City, Mo. He is a leader who recognizes the value of teamwork and has helped create standards in forklift operation, fall protection and locomotive movement.

 “I made up my mind a long time ago to be part of the solution,” Betts said. “That means it’s not all about me. It’s about our shop being successful.”

In all the training he conducts, Betts asks leading questions to get others to think about the need to focus, and he looks for those teachable moments to drive the safety message home. His passion also spills over into the community, where he has been a minister and served on the Livable Neighborhoods Board, a partnership of citizens and local government officials that addresses crime prevention. He’s also known as the “bicycle man” because he repairs and prepares bikes for underprivileged kids.

The BNSF Employees of the Year event recognizes employees who embody the company’s vision and values. Their achievements positively impact BNSF customers, fellow employees, owners and the communities served by BNSF. In addition, BNSF honors five Safety Employees of the Year, representing Telecommunications, Intermodal Business Unit Operations and each of its major operations departments. These honorees are recognized for their efforts to improve safety within the industry and their communities.

In 2014, BNSF continued to reinforce its commitment to safety with a best-ever year in employee safety. BNSF’s continued safety improvements – assisted by the efforts of the Safety Employees of the Year – move it closer to achieving the company’s vision of an injury- and incident-free workplace.

For a complete list of honorees, along with photos and a video of the Safety Employees of the Year, please visit www.bnsf.com/news-media/

About BNSF
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states, and also operates in three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.