Prentiss Brooks

I began my career with the City of Columbia in June of 1994 in the Wastewater Maintenance Division as a Laborer 1. Through 30 years of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence, I earned multiple promotions across various roles—from labor and driving positions to supervisory and leadership roles. This steady progression has led me to my current position as Safety and Training Coordinator for Columbia Water, where I continue to serve with the same drive and passion that has guided my entire career.

• Conduct safety training for employees across various programs, including CPR, First Aid, AED, Defensive Driving, Confined Space Entry, Trenching and Excavation, and other OSHA-compliant courses.
• Develop, schedule, and implement safety programs to ensure compliance with OSHA standards and promote a safe working environment.
• Serve on two state-level committees with the Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC): the Safety Committee and the Volunteer Exam Committee.
• Instruct and assist in teaching Wastewater Certification Training across the state.
• Facilitate and present training sessions at professional conferences, including the Water Environment Conferences in Myrtle Beach.
• Supervise and manage a team of two: a safety investigator and a lead instructor.
• Maintain accurate safety training records, incident reports, and compliance documentation.
• Perform administrative duties including data entry, report generation, and policy updates.
• I have worked with my previous supervisor on the budget, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources.
• Handle workers' compensation claims and reporting for both water and wastewater divisions, acting as a liaison between employees, supervisors, and HR.
• Assist with incident investigations and root cause analysis to reduce risk and prevent future occurrences.
• Coordinate annual safety audits and inspections, ensuring regulatory compliance and identifying areas for improvement.
• Any other duties as assigned