Journal Entry
Name: Justin Norcutt
Week of April 28, 2025
This week was a dynamic blend of structured training, hands-on tasks, and travel across Arizona—a refreshing balance that allowed me to both reinforce my safety knowledge and apply it in the field.
Monday – Tucson, AZ
We kicked off the week with an afternoon MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) training session. Lunch was provided, which helped set a welcoming and collaborative tone among attendees. The training served not only as a critical safety refresher but also as a deeper dive into the standards that shape our day-to-day operations.
Tuesday – Tucson, AZ
Bright and early at 6:30 AM, we resumed a full day of MSHA training. The content built upon Monday’s session and pushed into more complex areas of safety compliance. It was encouraging to see how engaged the group remained throughout, and it was clear that everyone valued the opportunity to refine their knowledge and align with updated protocols.
Wednesday – Tucson, AZ
With Gary out for the day, I stepped in to help facilitate portions of the training. I supported the team in navigating through more challenging safety scenarios, which not only strengthened their learning but also solidified my own grasp of the material. It was a proud moment to contribute in a leadership capacity and help ensure the session ran smoothly.
Thursday – Tucson, AZ
Thursday marked a major milestone—I officially completed my MSHA training and am now certified. It’s a significant step forward in ensuring I’m fully equipped to work safely and lead effectively in mining and heavy-industry environments. After training, I spent the rest of the day on yard work, building steps for two office buildings and painting two cabinets. Everything went as planned, and it was satisfying to end the day with both a certification and visible progress on physical tasks.
Friday – Tucson, AZ
With training complete, Friday was spent following up on local site needs in Tucson. It was a quieter but productive day, allowing time to reflect on the week’s work and catch up on administrative items and planning for upcoming projects.
Saturday – Casa Grande, AZ
On Saturday, I headed to Casa Grande to handle a pool clean-out and sealing job. The project went smoothly and was completed on time, adding a productive finish to an already full week.
Reflection:
This week was a strong reminder of how crucial safety training is—not just as a regulatory
requirement but as a cornerstone of effective fieldwork. Completing my MSHA certification was a major personal and professional accomplishment. Stepping into a leadership role mid-training and transitioning seamlessly into hands-on tasks emphasized the adaptability required in our profession. Whether in a training room or on-site under the Arizona sun, each task reinforced the importance of precision, preparedness, and teamwork.
