November 16, 2009 - The Country Fresh LLC Grand Rapids Garage Facility received the CET Platinum Award on November 12th from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) for an outstanding safety and health record.  The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG).

The Country Fresh Garage Facility has gone six years without a lost-time accident.

The MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division recognizes the safety and health achievements of Michigan employers and employees through CET Awards, which are based on excellent safety and health performance.  The CET Platinum Award recognizes an outstanding safety record of five years or more without a lost time accident.

The Country Fresh Grand Rapids Plant also received the Ergonomic Innovation Award from MIOSHA.  This award is presented to employers for implementing ergonomic improvements to reduce job risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

"We are very pleased to recognize the Country Fresh Grand Rapids facility for your outstanding efforts to create a safe and healthy work environment," said Susan R. Corbin, DELEG Deputy Director & Chief of Staff.  "Through your exemplary commitment and diligence, you are reducing ergonomic hazards, protecting workers, and increasing productivity."

CET Division Safety & Health Manager Nella Davis-Ray presented the Ergonomic Innovation award to the Country Fresh Safety Team, General Manager Kevin Begin, Plant Manager Larry Hughes, and EHS Manager Dick O'Connell.  Davis-Ray presented the Platinum Award to Country Fresh General Manager Kevin Begin, Transportation Manager Gene Brinks, and all twelve Garage Facility employees.  The Grand Rapids facility has 350 employees, many of whom are represented by theRetail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), Local 386.

Kevin Begin.

  Ergonomic improvements help employees work safely without needing to over-lift, over-reach, sit or stand too long, or use awkward postures.

Country Fresh made their ergonomic improvements on three distinct production lines, which have significantly reduced musculoskeletal injuries.  On two of these lines, employees hand packed containers in boxes.  Automated robotics were incorporated to pack the boxes.  This reduced employee exposure to repetitive hand strain, back strain, lifting and twisting, improper posture and fatigue.

At the end of these three lines, employees manually loaded boxes onto pallets. To reduce stress on the shoulders and back, they utilized three robotic cells to palletize boxes which eliminated all ergonomic concerns.

Plant operators and packers were involved in the upgrade process from the beginning.  Country Fresh believes its work force is part of the solution and their people need to be involved in all phases.  They also received guidance and approval from Dean Foods corporate for all phases.

The facility has worked with the MIOSHA CET Division over several years, and CET Safety Consultant Micshall Patrick performed a hazard survey on site, which is a part of the award process.  This survey allowed them an opportunity to walk through the facility with a MIOSHA representative and correct any problem areas that were noted.

Besides going more than six years without a lost-time accident, the garage facility has completed the following criteria to receive the Platinum Award:

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system;
• Established a safety and health committee, with both employee and management participation;
• Developed an employee training system, with an emphasis on how to do the work in a safe and healthful manner; and
• Worked diligently to change their workplace culture to reflect the importance of worker safety.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the Country Fresh Grand Rapids facility is 311511 − Fluid Milk Manufacturing.  To qualify for the CET awards, the company's total case incident rate (TCIR) must be at or below the Michigan industry average (7.5 in 2008) for their NAICS code.

"Companies that establish an integrated safety and health program reap the benefits of significantly reducing their injury and illness rates," said Davis-Ray.  "Reducing these rates not only protects employees - it has a healthy impact on a company's bottom line."

Country Fresh® has been the favorite dairy brand in Michigan and nearby areas for generations.  Country Fresh LLC is part of the Great Lakes Division of Dean Foods, Inc., the nation's leader in quality dairy products.  The Country Fresh Grand Rapids facility has 350 employees, with 100 of them delivery drivers.  The Garage employees work 24/7 to maintain their fleet of vehicles.

Dean Foods Company is one of the leading food and beverage companies in the United States. Its Dairy Group division is the largest processor and distributor of milk and other dairy products in the country, with products sold under more than 50 familiar local and regional brands and a wide array of private labels.  They operate more than 100 plants in the United States and employ more than 26,000 people.

For more information about DELEG, please visit www.michigan.gov/deleg.

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