Kenworth Truck Co.'s Renton, Wash. plant was honored for its safety program that reduced overall injuries by nearly half during the past year. The company was awarded the Association of Washington Business's (AWB) "Better Workplace Award for 1999.
"At Kenworth, maintaing a safe work environment is a priority. Our committment to safety goes beyond the talk. Every manager, supervisor and employee at the plant has a safety focus, which covers everything from hazard reporting to personal protective equipment," said Ed Caudill, Kenworth general manager.
Caudill attributes clear safety goals as the key to the company's successful results.
Kenworth won the award in the workplace safety category for companies with more than 250 employees. Other "Better Workplace Award" categories include job training and advancement programs.
AWB established the "Better Workplace Awards" in 1995 to encourage workplaces that are family-oriented, promote safety and enable employees to be their best.
"Highlighting successful efforts like Kenworth's helps other companies identify and develop programs that result in higher morale, increased productivity, reduced turnover and reduced training costs," said AWB President Don C. Brunell.