2024 Go the Extra Mile for Safety Award Presented to Dixon Maintenance Site Team
When it comes to workplace safety, the Illinois Tollway's Dixon (M-12) Maintenance Site is leading the way – earning the 2024 Go the Extra Mile for Safety Award.
In 2024, the Dixon maintenance site achieved a remarkable milestone: zero incidents reported for the entire year – marking its second consecutive year of incident-free operations.
As the only one of the 12 Illinois Tollway maintenance facilities to achieve this distinction, the team’s dedication to safety best practices, proactive training and peer accountability truly set them apart.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “The Dixon team’s commitment to teamwork and holding each other accountable serves as an excellent example of how a strong safety culture can drive outstanding results. Congratulations to the entire team on this well-earned recognition.”
Though the Dixon maintenance site was runner-up for the Go the Extra Mile for Safety Award in 2023, the facility’s continued commitment to workplace safety propelled it to earn the top honor in 2024.
It also led all maintenance sites with 63 Toolbox Safety Talks, which are training resources provided by the Tollway Security and Safety Department on various safety topics. Topics include three-contact rule for entering or exiting vehicles, back safety and proper handling of materials and tools such as chainsaws, woodchippers, lawnmowers, jackhammers, concrete saws and acetylene cutting torches.
“We try to set the standard for safety and were fortunate enough to work together as a team,” said Dixon Maintenance Site Acting Manager Adam Devine. “We look out for each other and our customers.”
For the Dixon maintenance site, maintaining a zero-incident record reflects both the leadership of Devine and the dedication of the entire team.
Devine, a former Marine, brings a leadership style rooted in accountability, consistency and a positive attitude. His emphasis on leading by example and treating everyone equally has created a culture where safety remains a top priority.
“Repetition is the key to memorization,” Devine said, explaining how continuous training, Toolbox Safety Talks and peer mentoring keep safety practices front and center. “You have to crawl before you can walk. Our senior employees work closely with the newer team members to ensure that they understand and follow safe work practices.”
Created in 2018, the Go the Extra Mile for Safety Award recognizes Illinois Tollway facilities that demonstrate exceptional safety performance based on incident rates, participation in Toolbox Safety Talks and positive feedback from managers and supervisors who observe and document outstanding safety practices.