The Safety Professional of the Year is a railroad management employee of an ASLRRA member railroad who is responsible for safety programs, training and the overall management of safe behavior and actions on their railroad(s). In other words, a safety professional is someone whose job is safety on a full-time basis.
The Safety Professional of the Year is awarded to a professional safety management employee who demonstrates these criteria.
 |
As the chief safety officer at Anacostia Rail holdings, Herman Crosson is responsible for day-to-day safe operations, working directly with individuals on policies and processes, seeking continuous improvement in safety performance and safety culture across all of Anacostia’s properties. Characterized as “a true people person”, Crosson builds relationships to help foster safety communication and safe behavior. He is known to be approachable, respectful and open to others’ feedback. He emphasizes open communication and will go out of his way to research questions if he cannot immediately provide an answer. As a career railroader who got his start as a freight conductor, engineer and later road foreman, Crosson not only understands what safety performance is at different levels, he can relate to team members who face the same hazards he once faced. |
Crosson holds periodic safety forums with Anacostia team members to discuss safety and safety success. He also puts the needs of the organization first, making sure everyone at all levels has the information, tools and training to achieve safety goals. To further encourage safe practices, Crosson has started the Safety Recognition Program to honor those who have demonstrated safety leadership at their locations.
“Herman is an excellent leader and communicator, traits that were honed during his many years of service in the military. His steadfast dedication to a quality safety process is much needed in the short line industry. Driving a positive safety program with superior results takes effort, commitment, and dedication, three qualities that Herman excels in. Herman is a genuine person. What you see is what you get from him. This character trait drives positive relationships which enhances his ability to produce positive safety results for Anacostia and the industry as a whole,” said David Hankins, Senior Director of HR, Anacostia Rail Holdings, who nominated Crosson for the award.
It is the second time that Crosson has received the Safety Professional of the Year Award. He was also honored in 2021.
