LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 6, 2018) – Workplace Standards Commissioner Ervin Dimeny visited BYK USA, Inc. in Louisville today to present a Governor’s Safety and Health Award for the 300,000 production hours worked without a lost-time incident by employees.
“On behalf of Governor Bevin and the Labor Cabinet, congratulations on earning this prestigious award,” Acting Secretary Mike Nemes stated. “Today should be a day of great celebration for BYK USA, not only for what you have achieved, but what you represent as a shining example for workplace safety across the Commonwealth. It’s imperative we have companies like yours who recognize the importance instilling a safety culture that ensures employees return home safe and sound each day. You provide an example for other businesses to follow, and I wish to thank you for your hard work and dedication.”
The BYK Louisville facility is part of BYK USA, an ALTANA company, with headquarters in Wallingford, Ct. The Louisville facility was constructed in 1980 and includes operating sites and laboratories for the development, manufacture, and testing of organoclays and associative thickeners. These products are used in the paint, coatings, ink and personal care industries to improve the flow properties of commercial products.
“This award reflects an exceptional achievement in the area of health and safety standards by the employees at the BYK Louisville site,” Site Manager Bob Weis said. “The attention to detail, teamwork, and performance brings distinct credit upon all employees, Local ICWUC 15c, BYK USA, ALTANA, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
“This award reflects the growth and great work being done at BYK USA, Inc. in Louisville,” State Sen. Harper Angel, of Louisville, said. “Our community looks forward to their continued success and congratulate them on this outstanding accomplishment.”
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.
According to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kentucky employers reported the lowest incident rate for nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in the state’s history.
Based on a mathematical calculation that describes the number of recordable incidents per 100 full-time employees, Kentucky’s rate improved from 3.7 in 2015 to 3.4 in 2016, reflecting the latest available data. This rate has steadily declined since it was first calculated in 1996, when a rate of 8.4 was reported.
For more information on the Governor’s Safety and Health Award, click here.
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