Sanitation District #2, serving the Town of Hempstead communities of Baldwin, South Hempstead, and Roosevelt, has been named this year’s recipient of the PERMA Chair Award for its outstanding commitment to workplace safety.

Serving nearly 60,000 residents, the district’s sanitation crews face demanding and hazardous conditions year-round, from heavy traffic to improperly discarded materials. Under the leadership of Doug Weidmen, Secretary to the Board, and with support from PERMA, the district has built a strong culture of safety for its more than 70 employees.

Since becoming a PERMA member in 2018, the Town of Hempstead has made significant improvements in workplace safety and accountability. Incident reporting times dropped dramatically from an average of 77.95 days in 2022 to just 2.67 days in 2025, reflecting stronger communication and faster response efforts. These shortened reporting time helps employees receive the treatment they need and return to work safely.

Working alongside the district’s Safety Commission, Doug helped introduce practical safety upgrades, including employee-selected PPE, truck-mounted cameras and light bars, improved electrical signage, and enhanced equipment safety measures. The district also adopted hands-on safety training programs, including PERMA’s 3-Point Contact and Slip and Fall Prevention trainings.

Because district employees live in the very communities they serve, workplace safety is more than a policy — it’s a personal commitment. Doug and his team are dedicated to ensuring every employee returns home safely each day. Through proactive leadership, innovative safety initiatives, and a strong culture of accountability, Sanitation District #2 has established a model for municipal workplace safety, earning this year’s PERMA Chair Award.