Labor Cabinet Deputy Secretary Mike Nemes visited Domtar in Hawesville today to present a Governor’s Safety and Health Award for working 1,053,309 consecutive hours without a lost time injury or illness.
“Congratulations to Domtar in Hawesville for earning its first Governor’s Safety and Health Award,” Labor Cabinet Secretary Derrick Ramsey said. “Days like today allow us to showcase some of the most safety-conscious businesses in the Commonwealth and their employees and celebrate their commitment to workplace safety. On behalf of Governor Bevin and the Labor Cabinet, we applaud their hard work and look forward to many more years of a strong partnership.”
Domtar is a provider of a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication, specialty and packaging papers, market pulp and absorbent hygiene products. The integrated pulp and paper mill has operated in Hawesville since 1967 and is the second-largest employer in the city, supporting more than 450 jobs and has an annual estimated regional economic impact of $1.5 billion. The mill produces nearly 600,000 tons of paper annually, primarily in printing and writing paper, as well as hardwood market pulp.
“Receiving the Governor’s Safety and Health Award is a proud accomplishment for the entire team at Domtar in Hawesville,” said Steve Henry, General Manager, Hawesville Mill. “I am particularly proud of the way we work together as a team, look out for one another, and continue to grow our safety culture. This is why we strive towards our ultimate goal of improving the quality of life both at work and at home for our employees. We are honored to receive this award and we recognize that safety is a never-ending journey.”
State Senator Joe Bowen also praised Domtar–Hawesville Mill on the accomplishment.
“Congratulations to Domtar–Hawesville Mill on a well-deserved Governor’s Safety and Health Award,” Senator Bowen said. “This mill is very valuable to the community in Hancock County, and we appreciate that Domtar holds a mutual value for its employees.”
The Kentucky Labor Cabinet presents the Governor’s Safety and Health Award to highlight outstanding safety and health performance in Kentucky’s workplaces. A business may qualify for the award if its employees achieve a required number of hours worked without experiencing a lost time injury or illness. The required number of hours is dependent upon the number of employees.
For more information on the Governor’s Safety and Health Award, click here.