Local plant celebrates year with no accidents

Associates at Shaw Diversified Services Inc. (previously known as Queen Carpet) were commended for accomplishing one year with no accidents.

The manufacturing facility for carpet yarn has more than 500 employees working 24/7 year round on a four-shift schedule. That's a total of 1,070,734 hours worked without an accident, noted Marcus Gil, plant manager.

That's a great accomplishment "and definitely recognizes each of the employee's efforts in safety,' said Noel Robles, safety and training manager.

To mark the achievement and thank the employees, a safety fair was held with food, prizes and booths promoting safety awareness.

Shaw implemented a SAFE system (Shaw Accident Free Environment) that targets 17 areas, including a written program, implementation and training, documentation, employee interviews and internal/external audits.

All supervisors, managers and key personnel have completed advance safety auditing training, a behavioral-based approach to safety and rewarding individuals for practicing safety in the workplace.

Incentives were an important component of the safety program. Points were awarded to departments and shifts that accomplished certain goals that can be redeemed through a catalog. There was also the carne asada for each group that reached their six-month rolling period.

Looking out for one another is what made the safety program work, said Tonya Tacker, human resources manager. "It takes every single employee doing their part to reach this goal and we are very grateful and proud of each and every employee for doing so. Most importantly, their families and friends can be, too, as they leave work to enjoy their time at home. After all, that is what it is all about.'

Manuel Romero, plant superintendent, thanked everyone for their part in achieving the goal. 'On my behalf and that of all the supervisors, I want to express my profound gratitude and joy to all of our coworkers for their support in our daily commitment to the safety of each of us and our families. At the same time, I would like to congratulate everyone and continue asking for their support during this year and the years to come to accomplish an accident-free year in 2004.'