Hickory, N.C. — Tuesday, May 13, North Carolina Commissioner of Labor Luke Farley will honor employers and employees from across the Hickory region for their exceptional dedication to workplace safety during the North Carolina Department of Labor’s Annual Safety Awards Banquet.

The event will take place Tuesday, May 13 at 6:00 p.m. at Moretz Mills, located at 74 8th Street SE in Hickory. The banquet highlights organizations that have maintained exemplary safety records and demonstrated a continued commitment to creating safe, healthy work environments.

Commissioner Farley, who will deliver the evening’s keynote address, is expected to emphasize his department’s mission to make North Carolina the safest state to work and the best state to do business. His remarks will highlight the importance of balancing education, enforcement, and recognition in the state’s approach to occupational safety.

The annual banquet is co-sponsored by the Western Carolina Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). It brings together leaders from various industries — including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and public services — to recognize those who have achieved outstanding safety performance and to encourage others to follow their example.

The North Carolina Department of Labor’s Safety Awards Program has been recognizing workplace safety achievements for more than 75 years, rewarding businesses that have maintained injury and illness rates at least 50 percent below the industry average.

For more information about the Safety Awards Program or the Hickory banquet, contact the N.C. Department of Labor or visit their official website.