Governor’s Safety Award

South Kentucky RECC has received the Kentucky Governor’s Safety and Health Award for achieving more than 500,000 hours of work without a lost-time accident.

The award, which was presented to employees by South Kentucky RECC director Charles Gore, was developed by the Kentucky Department of Labor in an effort to promote and recognize safety and health awareness, along with good sound work practices and the resulting reduction in injuries and illnesses in the workplace. The requirements of the award provide special recognition for outstanding safety and health performance and encourage development of programs designed to reduce and even eliminate occupational injuries and illnesses in Kentucky workplaces.

SKRECC Safety and Training Team Leader Eddie Black says the co-op has come a long way in safety over the past five years.

“In 2001, there were 399 work days lost due to accidents. Our board of directors and management team decided then that something had to be done. Since that time, South Kentucky RECC has implemented a more intensive safety program, including more training and more auditing of work practices. By calendar year 2005, we had lowered the number of lost-time accidents to zero. And, we are on course now, with nearly 650,000 hours without a lost-time accident, of reaching our newest goal of 1,000,000 hours worked without a lost-time accident.”

South Kentucky RECC CEO Allen Anderson says the accomplishment could not have been achieved without the teamwork of everyone working toward this goal.

“The board of directors, management team, and I are extremely proud of the commitment demonstrated by the employees in achieving this prestigious award. When we put the new safety program in place, we realized it would take the teamwork of everyone in the organization working daily to make the needed improvement. But, we also knew that we had among the best co-op employees in the state, and anytime we give them a task, they usually exceed our expectations. This time was no different, and we acknowledge and appreciate what they have done. South Kentucky RECC is now recognized among the industry leaders for its innovative and effective safety practices.”

South Kentucky RECC Chief Operations Officer Carol Wright echoes Anderson’s sentiments and says she is extremely proud of how far the co-op has come in safety over the past several years.

“The employees deserve this prominent recognition as they have proven their commitment to Safety and the results are evident. We are very proud of all the accomplishments our employees have attained in Safety.”