ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Employers and workers from across the Asheville region were recognized with awards for workplace safety excellence Tuesday evening at the N.C. Department of Labor’s annual Safety Awards Banquet, held at the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park.

The event, which was co-sponsored by WCI Inc., recognized local businesses that have demonstrated a long-term, unwavering commitment to reducing injuries and establishing a culture of workplace safety. Labor Commissioner Luke Farley delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in protecting North Carolina’s workers.

“As Labor Commissioner, my top priority is to have North Carolinians go home safe and healthy at the end of every working day,” said Farley. “It’s a pleasure to recognize companies that don’t just talk about safety — they lead by example, day in and day out.”

Farley said that to win a Safety Award is more than a metric; it’s a statement about a company’s values. “When you’re given this award, you’re showing your people that you care — and you’re leading by example for others to emulate,” he added.

The awards presented Tuesday were based on 2024 calendar year safety data and included both Gold and Silver awards. Both companies with DART rates (Days Away, Restricted Duty, or Job Transfer) at least 50% below the industry average received Gold Awards, and those with similarly low rates for days away from work received Silver Awards. No workplace fatalities at the award site for the year were an eligibility requirement.

Tuesday’s banquet was one of more than two dozen ceremonies being held across North Carolina this spring, as the Labor Department honors more than 2,000 businesses statewide for their safety record.

A list of award recipients or additional information about the N.C. Department of Labor’s Safety Awards Program is available at www.labor.nc.gov. Additional information is available by calling (919) 707-7855 or by emailing Kiley Willard at [email protected].