• ZIP IN ACTION


    ZIP in Action article image
    Common safety tool

    Have respect for the common ladder

    Ladders are a common tool — and commonly misused. Using a ladder without proper safety procedures can result in devastating injuries. Did you know that falls from ladders cause 15% of all accidental deaths at the workplace, second only to motor vehicle-related fatalities? Ladders are commonly used to accomplish elevated work tasks and like any tool certain practices must be followed to ensure employee safety.


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    Twilight Thomas brings versatility to her role with HR Risk Management

    Safety spotlight

    The Human Resources Risk Management group is comprised of two key divisions: HR Safety and Workers’ Compensation. Twilight Thomas adds value behind the scenes to both organizations.



Safety form the sidelines photo

Safety from the sidelines

Terrance York helps develop safety culture in Fleet Management Department

Chris Ford is the Houston Airport System’s new Safety Management System manager, but he is not new to the field. Ford’s springboard into safety came in college. After a stint with the Solid Waste Department, he gained valuable and varied experience as HAS safety officer.

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ANSI Z-10 News


ZIP is based on the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Z-10 standard for Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (OSHMS). It is a premier standard for OHSMSs as shown in the article below.

How the Z10 Implementation Guide Can Improve Your OHSMS Audit

Director’s Message

Jane Cheeks Image "Though our collaborative efforts and no compromise approach to occupational safety, we can achieve the goal of no accidents and no injuries in our workplace."

- Jane Cheeks
Human Resources Director

Tina Paez Image "We are committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all individuals who may work for, visit, or enter our facilities."

- Tina Paez
Administration and Regulatory Affairs Director

C.J. Messiah, Jr. Image "I fully support the ZIP safety initiative. All employees have the right to work safely and return home safely."

- C.J. Messiah, Jr.
General Services Director

Rhea Brown Lawson Image "At the Houston Public Library (HPL), we strongly believe in maintaining a safe work environment for all employees. As an organization, we encourage staff to take an active role in following safe work practices and protocols."

- Rhea Brown Lawson
Houston Public Library Director

Marsha Murray Image "OBO's policy is to manage operations in a manner that offers maximum protection to those we serve, employ and with whom we partner."

- Marsha Murray
Office of Business Opportunity Director

J. Elaine Marshall Image "It is our position that production and accident prevention shall co-exist to foster an atmosphere of efficiency, productivity and safety."

- J. Elaine Marshall
Municipal Courts Director

Margaret Wallace Brown Image "PD is committed to promoting a culture of workplace safety, and to educating our employees about safety precautions and procedures, so as a department we will support and champion the ideals and goals of the Zero is Possible (ZIP) Safety Initiative."

- Margaret Wallace Brown
Planning and Development Director

Carol Haddock Image "HPW is committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to identify and report any safety concerns."

- Carol Haddock
Houston Public Works Director

Arturo Michael Image "I fully support the ZIP initiative and expect every employee to be an active participant in improving our safety culture."

- Arturo Michael
City of Houston Attorney

Pat J. Daniel Image "Through our collaborative efforts, we shall work in unison to reduce and subsequently eliminate hazards with our workplace. Thus, achieving our goal of no accidents and no injuries – ZERO IS POSSIBLE!"

- Pat J. Daniel
City Secretary

Stephen L. Williams Image "As the Houston Health Department Director, I expect that all HHD employees maintain situational awareness and communicate any safety concerns. With safety as a core value, our Houston Health Department will continue to provide world-class, high-reliability public health services for years to come."

- Stephen L. Williams
Houston Health Department Director

Takasha L. Francis Image "Department of Neighborhoods will establish and maintain avenues to report, address and resolve safety concerns, disseminate safety information, and solicit employee feedback to assist in our mission of eliminating safety risks."

- Takasha L. Francis
Department of Neighborhoods Director

Tantri Emo Image "The Finance Department will take the time to recognize and commend employees who proactively report safety hazards and those who serve on safety committees. As Director, I fully support the ZIP safety initiative."

- Tantri Emo
Finance Department Director/Chief Business Officer



Zip Department Updates

Department Information

611 Walker, 4th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Benefits: 832-393-6000
Main: 832-393-6100
Safety Hotline: 832-393-7233 careers@houstontx.gov