The director of environmental health and safety at West Virginia University has received the National Safety Councils highest award.

Roger Pugh accepted the Distinguished Service to Safety Award during the NSC s 89th annual Congress and Expo this month in Atlanta. The award recognizes outstanding contributions in the safety field.

“Its always an honor to be recognized by your peers,”said Pugh, environmental health and safety director since 1981.”This award recognizes not only my efforts, but the efforts of my dedicated staff and the support of the University administration.”

WVU s environmental health and safety unit oversees all waste management, hazardous materials, industrial hygiene, fire code compliance, sanitation code compliance, asbestos, safety training, hearing conservation, medical monitoring and OSHA -related issues on campus. The NSC s Campus Safety Division awarded the Complete Program Safety Award of Honor to his department three times in the 1990s.

Pugh, who has a masters degree in engineering, is active in the Campus, Safety, Health and Environmental Management Association and served as chairman in 1999-2000. He has been a member of the NSC s Board of Delegates since 1999 and serves as the councils technical adviser to the environmental venue.

Active in the community, Pugh has been director of support services for Special Olympics West Virginia Summer Games since 1998 and is a member and trainer for the 4-H Shooting Sports Training Program. He has received the 4-H Outstanding Leader and 4-H All Star awards.

The NSC is a not-for-profit, nongovernmental, international public service organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health.