Tonya Ford, Executive Director
Tonya resides in Lincoln, Nebraska. She became an active volunteer and advocate for workplace safety after the death of her Uncle Bobby (Robert Fitch) and was appointed USMWF's Deputy Director in February of 2015 and Executive Director on November 1, 2019.
Uncle Bobby fell 80ft off of a belt-operated man-lift in a local Archer Daniel Midland Plant (ADM) that he had worked at for over 30 years. His brother in-law found him that day and stayed by his side while the paramedics did everything they could do to help him however, Uncle Bobby could not be revived at the scene and was pronounced dead a few minutes later at the near by hospital.
Tonya found that she was not receiving any answers to her and her family’s numerous questions and reached out to USMWF a few months after her Uncle’s death for support and guidance.
Tonya Ford began tracking other grain mill incidents after losing her Uncle Bobby (Robert Fitch) on Facebook. It is a great resource for training and awareness.
Tonya is the proud host of USMWF's Workers' Memorial Day Events in Nebraska, including a candlelight vigil honoring the men and women that have been injured or killed in work related injuries.
Tonya has participated in walks with Nebraska Family members in the Harvest of Harmony parade representing USMWF, remembering and honoring those we have lost due to work related incidents and gaining awareness to workplace safety.
In 2012 Tonya Ford was recognized by National Council for Occupational Safety and Health and received The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health Community Activism Award.
Uncle Bobby fell 80ft off of a belt-operated man-lift in a local Archer Daniel Midland Plant (ADM) that he had worked at for over 30 years. His brother in-law found him that day and stayed by his side while the paramedics did everything they could do to help him however, Uncle Bobby could not be revived at the scene and was pronounced dead a few minutes later at the near by hospital.
Tonya found that she was not receiving any answers to her and her family’s numerous questions and reached out to USMWF a few months after her Uncle’s death for support and guidance.
Tonya Ford began tracking other grain mill incidents after losing her Uncle Bobby (Robert Fitch) on Facebook. It is a great resource for training and awareness.
Tonya is the proud host of USMWF's Workers' Memorial Day Events in Nebraska, including a candlelight vigil honoring the men and women that have been injured or killed in work related injuries.
Tonya has participated in walks with Nebraska Family members in the Harvest of Harmony parade representing USMWF, remembering and honoring those we have lost due to work related incidents and gaining awareness to workplace safety.
In 2012 Tonya Ford was recognized by National Council for Occupational Safety and Health and received The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health Community Activism Award.
Honors/Recognition
2021: Honored active member as a Public Representative on the National Advisory Committee On Occupational Safety and Health Committee.
Press
Candlelight vigil marks worker deaths
OSHA Listens
Fall Victim's Family Pushes Stronger Safety Regulations
Grieving niece from Lincoln gets OSHA ear
Grieving family seeks workplace safety
Candlelight Vigil held for workplace deaths
OSHA Investigation Leads To Changes For ADM Plant
OSHA, Grain Industry, and Families Work to End Injuries and Deaths
OSHA Listens
Fall Victim's Family Pushes Stronger Safety Regulations
Grieving niece from Lincoln gets OSHA ear
Grieving family seeks workplace safety
Candlelight Vigil held for workplace deaths
OSHA Investigation Leads To Changes For ADM Plant
OSHA, Grain Industry, and Families Work to End Injuries and Deaths
Testimony
Testimony of Tonya Ford, Whistleblower and Victim's Rights Provisions of H.R. 2067 The Protecting America’s Workers Act before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor Subcommittee on Workforce Protections April 28, 2010