Congratulations to all the Smithfield Foods Safety Awards winners and nominees on a job well done!

President’s Award – Armour Eckrich Peru, IN Location
This location stood out from the other 9 nominees in several areas.  Peru has aggressively managed implementation of EIPMS, applying hourly and management employee resources to complete the Hazard ID & Risk Assessment of their entire location on the first pass.  Peru’s physical conditions and housekeeping practices are exceptionally good.  The active participation and engagement of the management team on a daily basis in Peru is outstanding and has led to excellent results.  With close to 600 employees and only 16 recordable injuries last year, Peru’s injury and illness rates are among the lowest not only within Smithfield, but among general industry. 

Awards of Commendation – Farmland Foods Springfield, MA and Denison, IA Locations
Farmland’s Springfield, MA location receives this award for demonstrating management commitment at the highest level, while Denison, IA receives this award for its outstanding level of employee engagement.

New Awards for 2008

Safety Professional of the Year Award – Maurice Lavoie

This year Smithfield Foods added individual recognition to its process with this award. Determining the winner was difficult because of the many fine safety professionals working in our organization.  “Moe”, the Safety Manager at Farmland’s Springfield, MA facility, was recognized for his overall knowledge and expertise, his ability to lead an organization in building a health and safety-oriented culture, and for his contributions to the safety profession through work at Smithfield Foods, other associations and in the community.

Each Safety Professional of the Year nominee has received a Certificate of Commendation. They are:

Joni Luebbe – Farmland Crete, NE      
Julie Riesenberg – Farmland Denison, IA
Tavner Dixon – Smithfield Kinston, NC           
Jason Tinch – Armour-Eckrich Peru, IN
EJ Klages – Armour-Eckrich St. Charles, IL    
Jeff Thomas – John Morrell Sioux City, IA

Organizational Excellence Award for Health & Safety – Farmland Foods, Inc.
Farmland has earned this recognition for their demonstration and understanding of the importance of worker health and safety.  Their commitment to the health and well being of their workforce begins within the highest ranks of Farmland’s leadership team.  Farmland Foods exemplifies an organization where health and safety is a core value of the business. 

Please join us again in congratulating your colleagues on their fine achievements.