Governor Shumlin announces Vermont Governor’s Workplace Safety Award

As an integral part of his economic development program, Gov. Peter Shumlin said today that he plans to present special awards to Vermont businesses that have an effective Workplace Safety program.
A commitment to workplace safety not only protects employees, but allows the business community to reap the benefits of reduced costs. Typically companies that maintain a safe workplace experience lower costs for workers’ compensation and medical issues, increased productivity and employee morale, and the ability to market their business more successfully in the global market.
‘Vermont businesses that provide safe workplaces for their employees should be recognized for their successful safety policies,’ said Gov. Shumlin.
The Governor’s Award for Outstanding Workplace Safety is sponsored by the Vermont Department of Labor, the Vermont Safety & Health Council and the Vermont Small Business Development Center. The awards will be presented at the annual Workplace Safety Conference on May 12 at the Double Tree Inn, South Burlington. Applications can be found on the Vermont Department of Labor website and will be distributed by the department to Vermont businesses.
2010 Recipients of the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Workplace Safety:
(1) Large Companies: IBM, Essex Junction; Northwestern Counseling & Support Services, St. Albans; Vermont Electric Power Company, Rutland; and Columbia Forest Products, Newport.
(2) Small Companies: Addison County Transit Resources, Middlebury; Chaput Family Farm, North Troy; and
(3) Special Recognition: Ryegate Associates, East Ryegate; and Long Trail Brewing, Bridgewater Corners.
FYI: Award Criteria: More than a dozen applications for this respected award have been received in each of the past two years. This is a self-nomination competition based on key safe workplace factors. (MOD rate of .90 or less, no workplace fatalities or catastrophic injuries for the past 3 years, an active workplace safety committee involving management and employees, and a written workplace safety policy).
Source: Governor's office. 2.8.2011