Governor Jim Douglas and the Vermont Department of Labor awarded Mack Molding Co. the second annual Governor’s Workplace Safety Award in the large employer category at ceremonies held earlier this month at the Capital Plaza, Montpelier.
Nominated by the Springfield Regional Development Corporation and the Bennington County Industrial Corporation, Mack was singled out for several key indicators of workplace safety. Among them were impressive records for consecutive days without a lost-time accident in each of its three Vermont manufacturing operations, significantly reduced workers’ compensation costs, established and active safety committees, and the addition of both a full-time occupational health nurse and a part-time occupational medicine physician on site. In addition, Mack’s medical emergency response plan includes 38 employee volunteers who are American Red Cross certified for Standard First Aid/CPR and AED. Each manufacturing facility also has an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site and ready for emergency use.
Last year, each plant set a record for consecutive days without a lost-time accident, with the Cavendish facility reaching 365 days; East Arlington, 209; and the headquarters plant, 175. “That is an incredible achievement that takes commitment from every single employee, and I applaud each of them for their efforts,” says Jeff Somple, president of Mack’s Northern Operations.
“Embracing safety in the workplace not only impacts the health of our employees, but also the health of our business,” he adds. “Our employees are our most valuable asset. When they’re healthy, they are ready and able to work and contribute to our success every day, which positively influences both our bottom line and our ability to compete in a very aggressive marketplace.”
The Governor’s Workplace Safety Award is the highest honor given by the state of Vermont to recognize an employer’s commitment to excellence in workplace safety and health.
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