Our Mission
Focused. Integrated. Relevant.
The Mount Rainier Federal Safety Council is dedicated to fostering a safer and healthier work environment within the Federal Government. Our mission is to reduce the incidence, severity, and cost of workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses. We serve as a hub for the exchange of occupational safety and health information among local Federal agencies in the Puget Sound area. In accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Executive Order 12196, and 29 CFR Part 1960, we operate under the guidance and resources provided by the Secretary of Labor. Our efforts are focused on enhancing the effectiveness of safety and health functions within the Federal entities in Puget Sound. We strive to improve safety and health programs, promote coordination and resource sharing, provide administrative and technical information to Federal Boards and Associations, and address safety and health issues specific to local conditions. We are committed to building cooperative relationships within the federal government, inviting federal agency support and participation in our activities. Together, we aim to create a safer, healthier future for all Federal employees.
What the Council Offers
Training and Professional Education
The MRFSC is all about shared learning. The quarterly meetings, safety and health symposiums, and weekly safety topics are just the beginning. Regional development opportunities will be shared as they become available while members may share learning opportunities hosted by other entities at any time. Want to provide training in your area of expertise? Want to share a learning opportunity? Contact the MRFSC leadership team a today and learn how.
Networking with other Federal Health and Safety Professionals
Develop professional relationships with peers across the federal enterprise as you engage in online and in-person meetings, training, and health and safety symposiums facilitated by the MRFSC. Looking to get more involved? Apply for a council leadership position and coordinate with the other regional federal agencies to foster a region-wide culture of shared learning and peer-to-peer assistance. For members, you will also have access to the full list of council members and a powerful set of communications tools through our member-only portal, once your membership application is approved by the regional OSHA office.
Updates to Regional Health and Safety Trends, Problems, and Shared Lessons
Receive near real-time regional safety news via our news tab in the menu at the top of the page. We will share news articles, perspective, and applicability to the federal workforce. We will push OSHA annual and quarterly data reports so you spend less time searching and more time implementing shared lessons learned to prevent recurrence. Learn from the experts on what health and safety trends are emerging and share your take-aways via the news comments feature. Share your knowledge and experience with the community and develop a reputation as a regional leader in health and safety.
Document, Media, and Content Sharing via Members-only Portal
Once OSHA approves your membership and forwards your information to our leadership team, you will receive an invite to join our MRFSC members-only group. This group is hosted on this website and members-only options will be enabled in the menu at the to of the page, once logged in. You will have access to weekly newsletters, blogs, videos, training content, and more. You will also be able to ask questions to the community and receive real-time support from other career federal health and safety professionals. It pays to become a member.
The Mount Rainier Federal Safety Council Leadership Team
Dedicated to Growing the Council and Meeting the Mission
At the Mount Rainier Federal Safety Council, our leaders are thoroughly invested in cultivating federal agency teaming and cooperation to meet the council's mission and sustain a safe and healthy federal workforce. Take a look below to learn more about our dedicated team. 29 CFR 1960.89(a) requires officially designated agency representatives to the MRFSC elect, at a minimum, a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary. Committee leadership will be added as committees are formed.
Justine Som
Safety and Occupational Health Manager
OSHA, San Francisco Region (Liaison)
Justine is the MRFSHC's primary OSHA point of contact. She works with the regional administrator to meet 29 CFR 1960.85(b) requirements to "provide leadership and guidance and make available necessary equipment, supplies, and staff services to FFSHCs to assist them in carrying out their responsibilities. The Secretary shall also provide consultative and technical services to field councils. These services shall involve aid in any phase of developing and planning programs; and in sponsoring, conducting, or supporting safety and health training courses."
Nick De La Mater
Chairperson, MRFSHC
U.S. Department of Energy
As the chairperson for the MRFSC, Nick is responsible for the following:​​
Presiding over regular and special MRFSC meetings; Calling and presiding over Executive Committee meetings; Appointing committees needed to implement MRFSC objectives; Appointing the MRFSC Property Liaison to oversee use and maintenance of OSHA property on loan to the MRFSC; Providing leadership for programs and activities; Representing the MRFSC at other organizations' meetings where official representation is desirable; Submitting the annual report to the Secretary of Labor by March 15 each year; Communicating with officials of Federal agencies, FEBs and FEAs, recognized Federal labor and other employee organizations, and non-Federal organizations and individuals in the Puget Sound area who have demonstrated an interest in occupational safety and health.
Matthew Kuzemchak
Vice-Chairperson, MRFSHC
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
Strategic and results-driven Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Leader with extensive experience developing and implementing robust occupational safety, health, and environmental programs. Proven success in fostering a strong safety culture, reducing incidents, and driving measurable improvements in compliance with environmental, safety, and health regulations. Skilled in collaborating with diverse stakeholders to assess risks, implement effective processes, and continuously improve safety, environmental, and sustainability outcomes. Expertise spans regulatory compliance, conformance to management systems standards, risk assessment, training program development, and organizational leadership
Robert Stoll
Secretary, MRFSHC
U.S. Army
As the Secretary for the MRFSC, the candidate is responsible for the following:​​
Recording, duplicating, distributing, and maintaining MRFSC meeting minutes and documentation of activities. Maintaining MRFSC files, including the records of membership and participation; Preparing and distributing notices of regular and special meetings of the MRFSC and Executive Committee to members and to the OSHA FAPO; Preparing MRFSC correspondence; With the Chairperson's assistance, preparing meeting agenda; and as determined by MRFSC leadership, serves as Secretary of the Executive Committee.