WASHINGTON — Seaboard Foods recently earned a Worker Safety Award of Merit for improving and achieving high levels of safety performance at its Guymon, Okla., pork plant.

The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) recognized Merriam, Kan.-based Seaboard at the 2023 Environmental, Labor and Safety+ Conference where the organization presented awards to more than 160 companies.

“Providing employees with a safe working environment continues to be our highest priority and something that is top of mind for all our employees,” said Grae Griffin, vice president of human resources at Seaboard Foods. “We are grateful to be recognized for our commitment to making our workplace a safe place for our employees.”

The Worker Safety Recognition Awards recognize plants that have attained a high level of safety performance as part of the ongoing effort to reduce occupational injury and illness. 

“NAMI is proud of these companies and their leadership for continuing to prioritize the health and safety of the hard workers who help feed America,” said Julie Anna Potts, president and chief executive officer for the Meat Institute. “These awards recognize the commitments made by the industry in the Protein PACT to further reduce workplace injuries by 50% by 2030.”

The various levels of awards – including the Award of Honor, Award of Merit, Award of Commendation, and the Certificate of Recognition – are based on an evaluation conducted by the National Safety Council of each eligible plant’s actual safety performance as well as its implementation of various key components of an effective safety and health program. The National Safety Council staff examined Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Total Recordable Cases rate and the rate for Cases With Days Away From Work, Job Transfer, or Restriction (DART) data for each facility.

More information on the Worker Safety Award Winners can be found here.