Owensboro, Ky. (September 26, 2017) – Labor Cabinet Deputy Secretary Mike Nemes visited Owensboro Riverport Authority today to present a Governor’s Safety and Health Award for the 378,932 production hours worked without a lost-time incident by employees.
“Congratulations to Owensboro Riverport Authority on earning its first Governors Safety and Health Award,” said Labor Secretary Derrick Ramsey. “Working 378,932 hours without a lost-time injury is a great accomplishment and this award deserves to be celebrated. On behalf of Governor Bevin and the Labor Cabinet, it is my honor to bestow this award to Owensboro Riverport Authority and its employees for their dedication to keeping workplace safety a top priority.”
Established in 1976, Owensboro Riverport Authority specializes in the handling of aluminum, steel, copper, zinc, grain, paper, fertilizer and other various bulk commodities. The Riverport provides domestic and international shipping for distribution channels in the Midwestern and Southern regions of the United States. The authority now employs over 43 people at its location in Owensboro.
“This award belongs to all employees,” said Carol Huff, Human Resources, Safety and Security Compliance Manager. “Without the hard work and dedication of all employees focusing on the importance of safety and teamwork, we would not have achieved this award. We have incorporated a safety observation and safety audit program, which involves participation of all employees. We are proud to be ORA Strong!”
State Rep. DJ Johnson (Owensboro) also offered praise.
“The Owensboro Riverport Authority has become a supreme factor in the development of the Ohio River Valley Region,” Rep. Johnson said. “It is nearly impossible to find another agency that has created a more commendable marriage between economic growth and being a good steward of their customers and employees. This is evident with the incredible statistic of 378,932 consecutive hours without a lost time injury or illness. Achievements such as this merit recognition and I am elated that they are the recipients of the Governor’s Safety and Health Award. An entity as effective as the Owensboro Riverport Authority could not be more deserving of the honor.”
The Kentucky Labor Cabinet presents the Governor’s Safety and Health Award to highlight outstanding safety and health performance in Kentucky’s workplaces. A business may qualify for the award if its employees achieve a required number of hours worked without experiencing a lost time injury or illness. The required number of hours is dependent upon the number of employees.
According to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kentucky employers reported the lowest incident rate for nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in the state’s history.
Based on a mathematical calculation that describes the number of recordable incidents per 100 full-time employees, Kentucky’s rate improved from 3.8 in 2014 to 3.7 in 2015 – reflecting the most recent data available. This rate has steadily declined since it was first calculated in 1996, when a rate of 8.4 was reported.
For more information on the Governor’s Safety and Health Award, click here.
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