Metra safety director Konczal receives international award for safety efforts

Metra Director of Safety Hilary Konczal has been named to the World Safety Organization's (WSO) board and received the group's James K. Williams Award for his dedication to promoting safety programs and practices, Metra announced late last week.

The Williams award recognizes a member "who has unselfishly provided significant assistance with and support of the programs of the WSO, as well as a strong dedication to the WSO purpose of protection of people, property, resources, and the environment, and with a full support of the WSO motto," according to a Metra press release.

An international professional group that promotes public interest in environmental and occupational health and safety in more than 150 countries, the WSO has a stated goal of "making safety a way of life … worldwide."

With 24 years at Metra, Konczal leads a team responsible for ensuring the safety of Metra employees, passengers and contractors. He has an extensive background in railroad safety and security, operations and regulatory compliance.

"Hilary Konczal's appointment to the World Safety Organization Board of Directors and the James K. Williams Award are a recognition of the outstanding safety team Metra has to ensure our customers are safe in their commute and employees are safe in their work environment," said Metra Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Don Orseno.