Ohio Facility Marks 11 Years without a Lost Time Injury

Cohoes, NY – Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, has achieved a significant safety milestone at its Saybrook, Ohio facility, and has been recognized by the Pulp and Paper Safety Association (PPSA) for a number of safety awards for safe manufacturing operations. 

Mohawk’s Saybrook, Ohio converting and distribution center located in Ashtabula, Ohio, has logged eleven years - the equivalent of 3 million work hours or over 4,000 days - without a lost time injury.  This significant accomplishment, achieved by nearly 200 employees clearly demonstrates Mohawk’s strong commitment to workplace safety.

“This significant achievement is a true testament to the dedication of all Saybrook employees to Mohawk’s safety culture.  Our converting center has been an OSHA VPP Star site since 2003, and our employees are involved in every facet of our safety program, which has allowed us to achieve such outstanding results,” said Jason Meunier, Vice President, Ohio Operations.

The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) initiative that encourages private industries to prevent workplace injuries through hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, and training. VPP offers two levels of certification, with Star Certification being the highest level. Star Certification recognizes employers and employees for developing and implementing continuous improvement workplace safety management programs that result in injury/illness rates that are below the national averages for their industries. 

Mohawk was also recently recognized by the Pulp and Paper Safety Association (PPSA) for a number of safety awards for safe manufacturing operations throughout many of the company’s locations in 2014:

• 2014 Most Improved  (Paper Mill, Small) – Waterford, NY
• 2014 Best Record (Paper Mill, Small) – Cohoes, NY
• 2014 No OSHA Recordables (Specialty Operations) – Cohoes, NY
• 2014 No OSHA Recordables (Paper Distribution) – Albany, NY

Mohawk continues to set industry leading standards for safe operations and is known throughout the paper manufacturing industry for its commitment to safety and operational excellence.  Perhaps the most important impact of operational excellence is the safety of Mohawk’s employees.

“At Mohawk, the most important impact of our focus on operational excellence is ensuring the safety of our employees. The recent safety awards we have received from the Pulp and Paper Safety Association are achievements we’re especially proud of.  Every day our teams strive to achieve the safest possible work environment, and safety will always be a key focus area for Mohawk,” said Bruce Hogan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Mohawk.