Asheville – Labor Commissioner Luke Farley recognized Asheville-area businesses for their commitment to workplace safety during the N.C. Department of Labor’s annual Safety Awards Banquet on June 17 at the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park. The event, co-hosted with WCI Inc., celebrated employers and employees who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to preventing workplace injuries and fostering a culture of safety.
Shared Responsibility in Safety
In his keynote address, Farley emphasized the collective responsibility of employers, employees, and the Department in ensuring the safety of North Carolina’s workforce. “As Labor Commissioner, my top priority is ensuring North Carolinians go home safe and healthy at the end of every workday,” he stated. He highlighted that the recognition awarded to these businesses sends a strong message about the importance of safety as a core value rather than merely a compliance measure. “When you earn this recognition, you’re showing your team that you care — and you’re helping set the standard for others to follow,” he added.
The awards presented during the banquet reflected outstanding safety performance during the 2024 calendar year. To qualify, businesses had to maintain a record free of fatalities at their award site throughout the year. Gold Awards were given to companies with DART rates—cases involving days away from work, restricted duty, or job transfer—at least 50% below the industry average. Silver Awards were based on days away from work, also requiring rates at least 50% below the industry average.
Recognizing Excellence
The Asheville event was part of a broader initiative, with over two dozen safety awards banquets held across North Carolina this spring, recognizing more than 2,000 employers statewide for their safety efforts. Among the notable recipients, Eaton Corporation received a Gold Award for its exemplary safety record, marking its sixth consecutive year of recognition. “It’s an honor to be recognized for our commitment to safety,” said a representative from Eaton Corporation. “We strive to create a safe working environment for all our employees.”
Other Gold Award recipients included Altec Industries, American Emergency Vehicles, and several divisions of Harrison Aggregates, which collectively demonstrated significant achievements in workplace safety. Silver Awards were presented to General Shale Brick and Mission Hospital McDowell, among others, showcasing their dedication to maintaining low injury rates.
Farley noted that these awards not only celebrate individual company achievements but also inspire others in the community to prioritize safety. “It’s a privilege to recognize businesses that don’t just talk about safety — they lead by example, day in and day out,” he remarked.
The criteria for these awards reflect meaningful outcomes in workplace safety, encouraging businesses to adopt best practices that protect their employees. The recognition serves as a benchmark for other companies aiming to improve their safety records.
The N.C. Department of Labor’s Safety Awards Program aims to promote workplace safety across the state by highlighting successful strategies and practices. For more information about the program or a complete list of award recipients, individuals can visit the N.C. Department of Labor’s website or contact Kiley Willard directly.