Rocky Mount, N.C. — A strong culture of safety took center stage on Tuesday, May 20, as employers and employees from across Nash County were honored for their outstanding workplace safety records during the North Carolina Department of Labor’s annual Safety Awards Banquet. The event, held at the Benvenue Country Club and co-hosted by the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce, brought together business leaders, workers, and government officials to celebrate organizations that are setting a high standard for on-the-job safety.
The ceremony recognized businesses and organizations that have achieved exemplary safety performance during the 2024 calendar year. Companies earning these awards demonstrated a clear and consistent commitment to preventing workplace injuries and fostering safe environments for their employees.
N.C. Labor Commissioner Luke Farley delivered the keynote address, commending the efforts of employers and workers alike in making safety a shared responsibility and an everyday priority.
“As Labor Commissioner, my top priority is ensuring North Carolinians go home safe and healthy at the end of every workday,” said Farley. “It’s a privilege to recognize businesses that don’t just talk about safety — they lead by example, day in and day out.”
Commissioner Farley emphasized that a company’s safety culture doesn’t just protect employees — it strengthens morale, improves productivity, and sets a powerful example for others in the industry.
“These awards aren’t just plaques on a wall — they reflect meaningful, measurable results,” he added. “When you earn this recognition, you’re showing your team that you care — and you’re helping set the standard for others to follow.”
Recognizing Results: Gold and Silver Awards
The awards were divided into two primary categories based on performance metrics:
- Gold Awards were presented to companies whose DART (Days Away, Restricted or Transferred) rates were at least 50% below the industry average. DART rates are a key indicator used by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assess workplace injury and illness trends.
- Silver Awards were given to companies that recorded days-away-from-work rates at least 50% below industry averages.
To qualify for either award, businesses must have operated without a workplace fatality at the recognized site during the 2024 calendar year.
The Department’s rigorous benchmarks reflect not only compliance but a proactive commitment to creating safer work environments. Many companies implement ongoing safety training, employee wellness programs, and hazard mitigation strategies that go beyond basic legal requirements.
A Statewide Celebration of Safety
The Rocky Mount banquet is one of over two dozen similar events being held across North Carolina this spring. Collectively, these events will honor more than 2,000 employers for achieving high standards in workplace safety.
This widespread participation highlights a growing recognition among North Carolina businesses that investing in worker safety pays dividends — both human and economic.
“Safety is not just a box to check. It’s a continuous process and a core value that must be ingrained in the workplace culture,” said Farley. “Today’s award recipients are proving that with leadership, teamwork, and a shared vision, we can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries.”
Continuing the Mission
The N.C. Department of Labor’s Safety Awards Program is part of a broader mission to improve occupational safety and health outcomes statewide. Through education, training, and recognition, the program supports businesses of all sizes in their efforts to protect workers and build resilient workplaces.
For a full list of award recipients or more information on how to participate in the Safety Awards Program, visit www.labor.nc.gov. Individuals with questions can also contact Kiley Willard at 919-707-7855 or via email at kiley.willard@labor.nc.gov.
