Recipients of the Governor’s Safety and Health Award and fellow members of the occupational safety and health community gathered or a week of interactive training and networking opportunities at the 32nd Annual Governor’s Safety and Health Conference.
Highlighted by remarks from Governor Matt Bevin, Lt. Governor Jenean Hampton and Labor Secretary Derrick Ramsey, businesses and safety professionals were challenged to lead a “new era” of workplace safety in Kentucky, namely by doing their part to meet and surpass the national workplace Incident Rate average of 3.2 by improving on the state’s current rate of 3.8.
“My goal is to not just meet the national averages for workplace injury and illnesses, but for Kentucky to become the safest place to do business in the country,” said Ramsey. “As this administration continues to strengthen our state’s workforce, I am leading our team at the Labor Cabinet to implement a strategic plan that will improve how our workforce stays safe through a renewed focus on consultation, partnerships and education.”
Secretary Ramsey also emphasized the importance of identifying and abating potential hazards before an injury or illness occurs.
“For this state to enter a new era of workplace safety, the Labor Cabinet will continue to lead by driving home this approach to each and every business in Kentucky. While safety in the workplace has come a long way in this state, I know that we can ultimately do better if we are willing to work together and tackle workplace injury and illnesses through a comprehensive approach.”
To be eligible for the Safety and Health award, businesses must keep employees injury-and-illness-free for at least 250,000 consecutive hours depending on the number of employees. Chief among this year’s recipients is Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. from Calvert City, whose 70 employees have amassed over 11.7 million consecutive hours.
Companies from Northern Kentucky who were recognized were:
Interplastic Corporation
Ft. Wright
1,677,112 hours
L’Oreal USA – Florence Manufacturing
Florence
846,362 hours
L’Oreal USA Walton Distribution Center
Walton
3,046,565 hours
Performance Pipe – Division of Chevron-Phillips
Williamstown
534,353 hours
SFC Global Supply Chain, Inc.- Walton DC
Walton
77,836
From Department of Labor
