Mike Tartal
Mike Tartal -- USF SafetyFlorida Safety and Health Consultant
As an officer in the United States Navy, Mike managed shipboard OSHA programs, the operation and maintenance of shipboard communications, electronic systems, and damage control equipment. He trained ship’s personnel in nuclear, biological and chemical warfare defense, fire fighting, and damage control procedures. Mike also served as a Navigator, a Navy Surface Warfare Instructor, and served two tours as an Operation's Officer on Amphibious Assault ships. His last assignment was working for Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific, as the Human Resource Manager. During his career, Mike earned three Navy Achievement Medals and two Navy Commendation Medals for outstanding performance of duty. In the 15 years since, Mike has been working in the printing industry where his management and technical experience gave him first-hand knowledge of how important it is to bring management and employees together in a commitment to safety. Before joining USF SafetyFlorida as a consultant, Mike worked with other company managers to improve plant safety and reduce the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance costs by developing and implementing updated safety programs, performing weekly safety inspections, improving machine guarding, and raising housekeeping standards. These initiatives significantly reduced company workers compensation insurance costs and lowered the injury rate (TRCR and DART). Mike brings to his safety consultations across Florida’s Panhandle a deep understanding of safety as a way of managing people, operations and resources. He is an advocate of using strong communications and organizational skills to improve operations, customer service, quality and safety.