Governor’s Award For Safety Excellence

Providing a safe work environment for Pennsylvania’s workers requires complete commitment by employers and employees. For this reason, the safety initiative provides Pennsylvania employers and employees with the information and technical assistance needed to develop comprehensive safety practices in the workplace. It will also recognize the successful employer-employee joint safety programs, which result in the achievement of safety excellence.

The Governor’s Award for Safety Excellence is a highly competitive award. The information gained from these nominations provides valuable best practices that are shared across the state. Check out the 2011 award winners.

Any Pennsylvania employer is eligible for the Governor’s Award for Safety Excellence; nominations for the award are voluntary. Information and criteria used to determine finalists include workplace injuries/illnesses vs. industry standards; and innovation and strategic development of safety policy and approaches.

Previous Award Winners will be considered for a subsequent award only if significant safety and prevention program changes or additions have been implemented since receiving a previous award, and these are noted in the application.

Initial review of all nominations is conducted by the Governor’s Award for Safety Excellence Semi-Finalist Review Committee. If approved by Labor & Industry Department officials, the semi-finalists are contacted for an on-site visit. Site visits are conducted by a member(s) of the Department’s safety team for review of the nominee’s comprehensive safety program. Site visit reports are written and distributed to the Governor’s Award for Safety Excellence Review Committee for the determination of finalists. Recommendations are then forwarded to the Secretary of Labor & Industry who makes the final determination.

Award winners are recognized at the annual Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Hershey, Pa., and award presentations are conducted at the award winner's workplace.

Click here for more information concerning the Governor's Award for Safety Excellence Review Process.

To nominate a Pennsylvania employer for the Governor's Award for Safety Excellence, you may obtain a Nomination Form by contacting Amy Zacks, Program coordinator, at 717-772-1917. You may also download the nomination form by clicking on this link.

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