Rich Finnegan, who has worked as Employee Health and Safety Manager for VNA’s Environmental Solutions and Services (ESS) business for 27 years, has received the prestigious Mentor of the Year Safety Award from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The award is a reflection of the reputation that Rich has established as a leading national advocate and proponent for meeting the highest standards for safety. Rich received the award as part of OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program, which supports industries and businesses that voluntarily commit to following the agency’s rigorous standards for operational safety.
Rich received the Mentor of the Year Award for 2023 in OSHA’s Region Two, which covers New Jersey and Upstate New York. The award recognizes safety leaders who voluntarily lend their expertise to other companies attempting to qualify for the VPP program. Over the past few years, Rich has supported numerous companies outside Veolia in their efforts to participate in the VPP program, including a national First Aid product company and a roofing company based in New York. He also assists other VNA operations and facilities that want to be VPP-certified.
“I just try to help out where I can,” Rich said. “I always take safety home with me.”
ESS President and CEO Bob Cappadona said Rich’s commitment to safety reflects well not only on ESS, but all of Veolia.
“Rich is too modest to say it, but the reason he receives recognition like this is because he is a highly-respected and esteemed national leader and safety expert,” Bob said. “We could not be more proud to have Rich serving as such an incredible example of someone who represents our values every day. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Rich!”
Based out of Marlborough, Massachusetts, Rich provides critical safety support and guidance as EH&S Manager for ESS operations throughout New York and New England.
In 2020, Rich received a nomination for OSHA’s Special Government Employee of the Year Award, which also reflected his longtime participation in VPP. The program has been shown to help private industries and federal agencies prevent workplace injuries and illnesses through hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, training and cooperation between management and workers.
Rich was drawn to a career in occupational health and safety as an undergraduate at Boston College, where he intended to pursue a career in environmental law. But to improve his chances of getting into a law school of his choice, a friend suggested he first get a graduate degree in a science-related field. He enrolled at Anna Maria College in Massachusetts with a focus on occupational health and safety, and enjoyed it so much he completed his master’s degree and decided to make that his calling.
Rich Finnegan, EH&S Manager, center, receives the OSHA Mentor of the Year Award from, left, Robert Brynes, Board Chair for VPP Region Two, and right, Richard Mendelson, OSHA Regional Administrator.