Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation Receives Governor’s Award of Excellence

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley announced that Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation in Memphis was chosen to receive the Governor’s Award of Excellence for Workplace Safety. The award was given today at the 30th Annual Tennessee Safety and Health Congress held at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville.

The Governor’s Award honors Tennessee employers and employees who meet a required number of hours during a calendar year without workplace injuries serious enough to cause an employee to miss a day of work or restrict normal job activities. The number of hours required is based on the size of the company.

“Smurfit-Stone Container has shown a strong commitment to workplace safety and health by meeting the criteria for this award, which are challenging,” said James Neeley, commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development.

Smurfit-Stone employs 108 people at the Memphis facility. The company qualified for the Governor’s Award by working more than 419,000 man hours without either a lost time or restricted duty incident, going back to 2005. The company earned the same award in 2002.

The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Safety Awards Program is designed to stimulate interest in accident prevention and to promote safety. The program recognizes manufacturing and construction firms throughout the state that achieve and maintain a safe and healthful workplace.

To obtain an application or additional information on the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health (TOSHA) Safety Awards Program, contact the safety grant manager in Nashville at (800) 325-9901 or (615) 741-5281.