March 18, 2009 - The Country Fresh LLC Grand Rapids facility received the CET Bronze Award today 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).
"We are very pleased to recognize the Country Fresh Grand Rapids facility for its outstanding efforts to create a safe and healthy work environment," said Susan R. Corbin, DELEG Deputy Director & Chief of Staff. "We applaud your commitment and diligence, which has made this outstanding achievement possible."
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 Bronze Award recognizes leadership and commitment to workplace safety and health resulting in significant improvement of their MIOSHA record.
MIOSHA CET Division Director Connie O'Neill presented the award to the Country Fresh Safety Team, Plant Manager Larry Hughes, EHS Manager Larry Logsdon and other management representatives. The facility has 350 employees, many of whom are represented by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), Local 386.
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.
The Grand Rapids facility has completed the following criteria to receive the Bronze 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. The company has lowered their total case incident rate (TCIR) from 11.2 in 2005, to 5.7 in 2007, which is significantly below the Michigan industry average of 7.3 for 2007.
"Companies that establish an integrated safety and health program reap the benefits of significantly reducing their injury and illness rates," said O'Neill. "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.
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.
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