Steve Huels, an assistant manager, said the current streak extends to Nov. 11, 2008. It’s the first time the company has accomplished the feat, and it took about 24 years. Overall, he said, injuries at the company have seen a downward trend for years. In 2001, there were 109 injuries overall at the facility, including those that were not serious enough to make an employee miss work. So far this year, there have been only eight injuries and none required a worker to lose time.
In recent years, there have been lengthy streaks of about 500,000 and 750,000 hours.
“We’ve had some decent streaks, but you never quite get to a million,” Huels said.
Liming said even eight injuries is too many, and the company is looking at ways to lower the rate.
“We’re kind of tough on ourselves in trying to question why the others weren’t safe,” he said.
Andrew Donahoe, an administration manager for KTH, said there are several plausible reasons for the improved safety record.
Along with machinery that has become more safe over the years, the company has put a special emphasis on safety. Employees are encouraged to watch out for each other, and guards have been put up along some of the more dangerous machine parts, he said.
The company provides safety training for issues outside of the workplace, including hosting a motorcycle safety week since many employees ride their motorcycles to work.
Because of the accomplishment, a banner was hung outside the business, and employees on both shifts were treated to a lunch that included a free sundae bar. The company will also likely purchase commemorative pins to remind employees of the accomplishment, Liming said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.
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