The halls of the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley were abuzz with recognition for exceptional commitment to workplace safety, as N.C. Labor Commissioner Luke Farley lauded Raleigh-area businesses at the annual Safety Awards Banquet, per an announcement by the N.C. Department of Labor. The event, a collaboration with the Safety and Health Council of North Carolina, was an accolade for companies excelling in averting injuries and fostering a culture prioritizing safety at the workplace.
In his keynote address, Farley outlined the collective endeavor of safeguarding North Carolina's workforce requiring the efforts of employers, employees, and the Department alike, "As Labor Commissioner, my top priority is ensuring North Carolinians go home safe and healthy at the end of every workday," Farley told attendees, citing a commitment to not just meeting but leading in safety protocols. Spotlighting the importance of the awards, he went on to say, “When you earn this recognition, you're showing your team that you care — and you're helping set the standard for others to follow,” which, for these businesses, translates to operations that transcend mere compliance, as detailed by the N.C. Department of Labor.
The criteria for the accolades were stringent and reflected superior safety performance throughout the 2024 calendar year, only entities with no workplace fatalities were considered; Gold Awards were reserved for businesses whose DART rates were at least 50% below the industry average. Silver Awards were similarly stringent, requiring days away from work to be reduced by at least 50% compared to the industry average, as the N.C. Department of Labor's release details.
This Raleigh gathering is but a single chapter in a statewide initiative, with over two dozen similar banquets slated to take place across North Carolina this spring; this expansive effort aims to acknowledge the proactive measures of more than 2,000 employers who have shown stellar dedication to the well-being of their employees.
