11/17/99
Editor's Note: A photo of Jimmy Matthews is available at http://www.ohiou.edu/news/pix/matthews.jpg
ATHENS, Ohio -- The National Safety Council has awarded Jimmy Matthews a Distinguished Service to Safety Award recognizing his contributions to environmental health and safety at Ohio University. The award is the highest honor bestowed on an individual by the council.
Matthews is the director of Environmental Health and Safety in Ohio University's Campus Safety Division. He has published various articles including "Keeping a Safe and Healthful University Environment." He has consulted for agencies such as the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety, the Ohio Department of Health and numerous hospitals and has reviewed and analyzed about 170 university safety programs. Matthews also is the Ohio University adviser to Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.
For the past 25 years, Matthews has served in a variety of roles on the National Safety Council's Campus Safety, Health and Environmental Division. He has served on numerous committees and contributed to the development of a certified program for safety professionals. He has received the National Safety Council's Award of Honor eight times.
"As a professional, I think it's important to contribute to the area of health and safety and to try to be effective in helping other people," Matthews said. "The number of university programs that I have been involved in have been rewarding."
The National Safety Council is a not-for-profit public organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health. Matthews was nominated by the council's Campus Safety, Health and Environmental Division.
