Roads Scholar #15:
Safety for Public Works Fisrt Responders

About the Course:

Disaster response and recovery operations present multiple, unique safety hazards for Public Works employees. This course provides employees with the skills to understand, identify, and analyze these hazards to help ensure their own safety, the safety of their coworkers, and the public in these chaotic situations. Participants will learn how to prepare themselves and their families for responding to emergency situations. Fundamentals of Employee Emergency Planning and Incident Command System will be addressed.

Topics Include:

- Emergency Response Plans
- Preparing the Public Works Employee's Family
- Emotional Response to Disasters
- Public Works Roles & Responsibilities in Disaster Response
- On-site Hazards & Health Risks
- Safe Operating Principles
- Selecting the Right PPE

Course Times:

Check-in/Breakfast 7:00 a.m.
Class 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

Course Schedule:

Minden — 4/15/2025
LA Wildlife and Fisheries
9961 Hwy 80
Minden, LA 71055

West Monroe - 4/16/2025
Cheniere Lake Lodge
104 Cheniere Lake Lodge
West Monroe, LA 71292

Gretna — 5/20/2025 
Mel Ott Multi-Purpose Center
2301 Belle Chasse Highway
Gretna, LA 70053

Lafayette - 5/21/2025
Rosa Parks Transportation Center - Downstairs Meeting Room
101 Jefferson Street
Lafayette, LA 70501

Mandeville - 5/22/2025 Class closed
The Castine Center at Pelican Park
63350 Pelican Drive
Mandeville, LA 70448

Baton Rouge — 5/28/2025
TTEC Auditorium
4099 Gourrier Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Lake Charles - 5/29/2025
White Oak Landing
5584 River Road
Lake Charles, LA 70615

Instructor:

Dwight Hutchinson

Dwight worked as Supervisor of the Louisiana DOTD’s Heavy Equipment Shop from 2016 until his retirement in 2021. He began his career as a fleet mechanic and soon became specialized in heavy duty equipment maintenance, OSHA inspections on aerial lift equipment, and environmental health and safety. During his 37+ years with Bell South and AT&T, he worked on weather-related emergencies and storm restoration. He was part of an Emergency Restoration Team in 2004 that provided restoration services after Florida’s devastation from several hurricanes. He has received recognition awards from the White House Communications Office for his work in providing communication for the President and Vice President during visits to Mississippi.

Dwight has also been a fire fighter since 1988 serving as training officer, safety officer, fire chief (for five years), and presently serves as a Certified Incident Safety Officer. He received training and certification from the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, and numerous trainings through LSU Fireman’s Training. Throughout his career, Dwight worked on and operated a vast array of vehicles and equipment—from bulldozers to bridge inspection trucks to floating fire pumps to 105-foot aerial platforms.

Fees & Cancellations for RS#15:

$35 for Public Agencies
$70 Private Agencies

Fees cover all materials, breakfast and lunch.  Credit card payments are accepted through the online registration system. Checks or money orders are also accepted.

Make checks payable to:
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Mail checks to:
LTAP-Technology Transfer/LTRC,
4099 Gourrier Avenue, Baton Rouge,
LA 70808-4443.
ATTN: Victor Lockwood

Registration is required one week in advance of class. Failure to cancel at least 72 hours prior will result in a forfeit of the registration fee. Participant substitution is available.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs):

Professional Development Hour (PDH) credit will be awarded as follows: six (6) PDHs for RS#15.  The Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) is a Louisiana State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, approved Sponsor/Provider of Continuing Professional Development. 

Questions?:

Contact the LTAP Office via:

Phone: (225) 767-9717

Fax: (225) 767-9156

Email: [email protected]

The Louisiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) is a cooperative effort between the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and Louisiana State University (LSU). LTAP serves the needs of local transportation agencies and is a part of the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC). 

www.louisianaltap.org