Published: May 15, 2008 07:06 pm            

Cullman plant celebrates six years without significant accidents

davidl@cullmantimes



Nicholson File employees took time Thursday to celebrate a safety milestone — six years without an accident resulting in lost man hours.

Workers at the Cullman file manufacturing plant — a division of Cooper Tools — were also celebrating another mark reached in March; two million hours without a lost-time, on-the-job injury.

After enjoying a steak meal, a reward for the achievement, members of the staff got a pep talk from the vice president of operations, Bob Ware, who asked workers to raise their hands before suggesting they give themselves a pat on the back.

“That is very, very impressive,” Ware said about the feat.

Farrell Miller, the plant’s human resources manager, said, “This really is a great accomplishment and it could not have been done without you working safe each and every day.”

Ware agreed. “It’s all about working safe.”

Ware discussed the consequences of not working safely when he shared a story about a worker killed in a heat treat furnace at a Cooper Tools plant in New Mexico.

“He went in there with all the right intentions. He went in there to fix a problem; help the company,” Ware said.

What he didn’t do — Ware said — was think about his own safety before he acted.

Celia Faller, an official with the National Safety Council, presented an occupational safety award meant to be shared by all of the plant’s 100 employees.

“Without you this could not have been achieved,” Faller said.

Plant operations manager Joe Golden said an accident-free workplace boosts morale.

“If we work safe we’re all in a better mood and can enjoy our work and go home to our families in the same condition as when we go to work,” Golden said.

Golden added being safe at work is a habit that stays with workers after they clock out.

Along with using safety goggles and ear plugs at work, Golden said he uses the tools at home whenever he does chores that pose a risk.

        

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