Eversvik honored with Lifesaver Award

The North Dakota Safety Council (NDSC) recognized individuals who are champions for safety in their workplaces and their communities at the 2018 Ceremony of Champions on Friday, Feb. 23 in the Bismarck Event Center Exhibit Hall.

"We are honored to recognize these award winners," says Chuck Clairmont, NDSC Executive Director. "They embody our mission of saving lives and preventing injuries and show true commitment to their safety and the safety of their families, coworkers and communities."

The following awards were presented during the ceremony:

NDSC Lifesaver Award

The NDSC's Lifesaver Award is presented annually to individuals who have acted above and beyond the call of duty to assist or rescue another individual.  

The following people were nominated and recognized at the ceremony for their heroic actions: Catherine Lein (Jamestown), Richard Eversvik (New Rockford), Patrick Johnson (Bismarck), and Edward Nelson (Williston).

Richard, also known as Rick, played a very vital role in saving another employee's life in a recent engulfment incident at a facility in eastern ND.

Rick knew another employee went to the top side of the sand hopper that feeds the plant to try to dislodge frozen material. Rick had received a phone call from the employee, but it was just static. This was an indication to Rick that something was wrong.

Rick ran to alert the plant manager and proceeded to the top of the plant to inspect and determine the issue. Upon climbing to the top of the bin, he could not locate the employee. Realizing the employee went into the bin, Rick proceeded to enter the bin with the aid of another employee.

After digging by hand, Rick was able to locate a piece of clothing so he continued digging until he located the engulfed employee's face. Rick dug around the employee's face and used his hands to cup around the mouth of the employee to aid him so he would be able to breathe without sand filling his mouth.

Rick had other team members call 911 and guide emergency services. After 2 hours, the full recovery process was completed and the engulfed employee survived with minimal injuries. Without a doubt there would have been a fatality if it had not been for the heroics of Rick Eversvik. He was nominated by Robert Lawrence.

Duane Kuehn Outstanding Safety Professional:

The most prestigious of the NDSC's awards, the Duane Kuehn Outstanding Safety Professional, was presented to Eric Hegstrom of Northern Plains Railroad.  

This award is presented annually to an individual who has been instrumental in the development and implementation of safety programs that increase the safety of their organization or community.