Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) GM and CEO Richard R. Sarles has been recognized by the National Safety Council (NSC).

The NSC announced the 2013 CEOs Who “Get It,” its annual recognition of business leaders who demonstrate world-class safety. Each of these leaders understands that safety is not only the right thing to do, but that creating a culture of safety also is a business imperative.  

The NSC believes that all organizations are on the “Journey to Safety Excellence” — a constant quest to drive workplace injuries and deaths to zero. This year’s honorees have a firm grasp of the journey and its four key pillars, which include committed leadership and employee engagement, sound safety processes and procedures, continuous risk reduction, and measuring and improving performance.

“It is an honor for the Council to recognize this year’s distinguished group of CEOs Who ‘Get It’,” said Janet Froetscher, National Safety Council president and CEO. “The strong example these leaders have set in living the journey and protecting their employees is something we hope all business leaders will follow.”

This year’s roster of eight individuals represents national and multinational organizations of all sizes from a wide variety of industries. Profiles of the CEOs Who “Get It” are featured in the February 2013 issue of Safety+Health magazine. The other CEOs recognized this year were:

•     Teri L. Bristol: Chief Operating Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, Air Traffic Organization, Washington, D.C.

•     Richard D. Fox: CEO, CDM Smith, Cambridge, Mass.

•     Anthony J. Orlando: President and CEO, Covanta Energy Corporation, Morristown, N.J.

•  David T. Seaton: CEO, Fluor Corporation, Irving, Texas

•     Michael L. Sims: GM and CEO, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., Oxford, Ohio

•     Major General Peter J. Talleri: Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations Pacific/Commander, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler

•     Bill Wright: President and CEO, Petrochem Insulation, Inc., Vallejo, Calif.