DECEMBER 9, 2005 –  Northern Concrete Pipe Inc. of Charlotte received the CET Silver 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 Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).

MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski presented the award to William Washabaugh Sr., president, and Tim Phillips, director of safety.  Northern Concrete has two manufacturing facilities in Michigan, in Bay City and Charlotte.  The Bay City facility received the CET Silver Award on July 13, 2004.

“Northern Concrete Pipe represents a high-hazard industry and has worked diligently to achieve an accident-free work environment in both of their facilities,” said Kalinowski.  “We applaud your outstanding leadership in recognizing that integrating worker safety and health is critical to successful businesses today.”

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 Silver Award recognizes achievement of a range of 50,000 to 1,500,000 continuous hours worked (based on the employer’s size and type of business) without lost days.

  “We work in an industry that is very hazardous due to the size of our equipment and products. Our company is committed to safety and will continue to make it our number-one concern for our employees,” Washabaugh said.   “We are very fortunate at Northern to have the same commitment from our very dedicated employees.”

Northern Concrete Pipe’s outstanding safety and health record came from several areas, including significant employer commitment, an active safety and health committee, job safety analysis (JSA) to identify hazards, near-miss hazard reports, and regular safety and health training.  They also do extensive audits and inspections of the facility, using the “extra set of eyes” of their insurance carrier and outside consultants such as the CET Division of MIOSHA.

“We are very proud of our safety program and all our employees who have worked with MIOSHA to achieve and maintain such a respected level of safe work habits,” said Washabaugh.  “Our employees are the award winners.”

In February 2004, Northern Concrete Pipe received the highest safety award for their industry from the American Concrete Pipe Association.  They had the best safety record in North America for the largest employer category.  Safety is a critical component in the high-hazard precast concrete industry.

Reinforced concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world today. Concrete becomes stronger as it ages, unlike other materials that can weaken and decay. Ongoing research continues to improve the strength, durability and longevity of concrete, which will ensure its preeminent position in the construction field of the future.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth news releases.