ASHEBORO, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Labor celebrated exemplary workplace safety achievements during its annual Safety Awards Banquet held Tuesday evening at AVS Catering & Banquet Centre. The event, co-hosted with the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, honored local employers and employees who have demonstrated a strong commitment to injury prevention and fostering a culture of safety across the region.
Highlighting Leadership and Collaboration in Workplace Safety
In his keynote address, Deputy Commissioner and Occupational Safety and Health Director Scott Mabry emphasized the importance of leadership and cooperative efforts in reducing workplace injuries. Mabry acknowledged the department’s focus under Commissioner Farley’s leadership: “Our top priority is ensuring North Carolina workers return home safe and healthy each day. It’s an honor to recognize the businesses and individuals who exemplify this commitment through their safety practices and achievements.”
Criteria and Significance of the Safety Awards
The awards celebrate outstanding safety performance during the 2024 – 2025 calendar year, with all recognized businesses located within Asheboro or nearby counties. To qualify, companies must have experienced no fatalities at their work sites throughout the year.
The awards are categorized as follows:
- Gold Awards: Presented to businesses with Days Away, Restricted Duty, or Transfer (DART) rates at least 50% below the industry average. These demonstrate significant reductions in work-related injuries resulting in time away or restricted duty.
- Silver Awards: Given to employers with days away from work rates at least 50% below the industry average, reflecting meaningful safety improvements.
This year’s event is among over two dozen safety awards banquets across North Carolina, recognizing more than 2,000 employers statewide for their dedication to workplace safety.
Regional Award Recipients
Silver Awards
Recipients with notable safety records include:
- City of Asheboro, Police Department
- Energizer Manufacturing Inc., Plant 1
Gold Awards
Honored for exceptional safety performance for at least one year include:
- City of Asheboro, Wastewater Treatment
- Energizer Manufacturing Inc., Plant 2
- Pentair Water Pool and Spa Inc.
- Precision Walls Inc., Prefab Division (40)
- Regional Coordinated Area Transportation System, Randolph Senior Adults
- Technimark LLC, Wellmark
Multiple-Year and Consecutive Award Recipients
Several organizations earned recognition for sustained safety records, including the City of Asheboro’s Environmental Services, Fire Department, and Water Treatment Plant, as well as Randolph County Government and other municipal departments.
Milestone and Million-Hour Awards
Companies achieving significant safety milestones include:
- Pentair Water Pool and Spa Inc., for accumulating one million employee hours without injuries (June 2024–January 2025)
- Technimark LLC, Plant 5, for one million hours (January 2024–February 2025)
- Technimark LLC, Plant 3, for two million hours (2019–2025)
- Technimark LLC, for three million hours without injury (2019–2025)
Supporting a Culture of Safety
The North Carolina Department of Labor continues to recognize the importance of these achievements in promoting safe work environments across the state. For more information about the Safety Awards Program or to view the full list of recipients, visit https://www.labor.nc.gov/. Additional inquiries can be directed to Kiley Willard at 919-707-7855 or via email at [email protected].
About the Department of Labor’s Safety Awards Program
The program aims to honor employers that demonstrate exemplary safety practices, reduce injuries and illnesses, and foster a culture of safety and health in the workplace. These awards serve as motivation for continued safety excellence across North Carolina’s diverse industries.
