Johnson Crushers International (KPI-JCI) has been honored with its first Bronze Hat Award from parent corporation Astec Industries Inc., which signifies the best safety record over the past three years for all Astec subsidiaries.

JCI has taken significant strides in improving its safety culture over the past few years, according to Chris Vest, who has served as safety manager for the past two years. The most recent changes include modifications to fall protection, lockout/tag-out procedures, bloodborne pathogen control plan and jewelry policies.

“The changes were put in place to improve our safety culture and better align our safety program with the requirements set forth by the state of Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA],” Vest said. “Our number one asset is our employees. Employees are more likely to get injured if a safe work environment is not provided and enforced, so we knew that had to be a priority for us.”

JCI’s incident rate has dropped significantly since 2001, when it reached 13.96. In 2010, the company had zero recordable injuries. While there are still strides to be made in its safety program, Vest said he’s seen considerable improvement in the past two years.

“In our minds, every year needs to be like 2010,” Vest said. “Zero injuries is our expectation and always our goal.”

JCI President Jeff Elliott said the success of the company’s safety program comes from the commitment of its employees.

“All of JCI’s associates are committed to a stronger safety culture,” Elliott said. “It’s very challenging and takes an extraordinary effort in light of our type of work and dynamic schedule. At JCI, we have had success strengthening our safety culture when we all realize it’s in all of our best interests to make safety the first priority.”

“Everyone deserves the right to earn a day pay, and be in position to come back the next day and earn the dignity of a day’s work,” Elliott continued. “The progress JCI has made in its safety program attests to the caliber of its associates and their willingness to work as a team to accomplish a common goal, and I’m proud to be part of that team.”

For more information, visit www.kpijci.com.

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