Metra Director of Safety Hilary Konczal has been named to the World Safety Organization Board of Directors and has received the group’s James K. Williams Award for his dedication to programs and practices that promote safety, Metra announced Sept. 25.
The World Safety Organization (WSO) is an international professional organization that promotes public interest in the field of environmental and occupational health and safety in more than 150 countries. With the motto “Making Safety A Way of Life…Worldwide,” WSO also collaborates with the United Nations Economic and Social Council to host conferences, symposiums and international congresses, and makes safety recommendations to the United Nations for worldwide implementation. In addition, WSO grants safety certifications for the rail and bus transportation industry.
The group’s James K. 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.”
Konczal has an extensive background in railroad safety and security, operations and regulatory compliance. With 24 years of service at Metra, he leads a team of safety professionals who are responsible for ensuring the safety of Metra’s employees, passengers and contractors.
“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/CEO Don Orseno.
Konczal is certified by the World Safety Organization as a certified safety and security director, certified safety manager and certified safety technician. He recently participated with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Peer Review Team to share industry best practices with other transit agencies throughout the United States.
“Not only is this a great honor, but this appointment strengthens Metra’s commitment to safety. Through the WSO, Metra is collaborating with other leading safety professionals worldwide and bringing more best practices home to the six-county region we serve,” said Konczal.
Konczal is currently chairman of the APTA Commuter Rail Safety and Security Committee and a board member for the Illinois Terrorism Task Force. He is an active member of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Railroad Safety Advisory Committee, the American Association of Railroads Safety and Operations Committee and the DuPage Railroad Safety Council.
