Mohawk receives numerous company-wide safety awards for 2012 operations

Cohoes, NY – Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, announces several company-wide safety awards, and a significant safety milestone at its Saybrook, Ohio location.

Mohawk has announced that its Saybrook, Ohio, converting and distribution center located in Ashtabula, Ohio, has logged nine years without a lost time injury.  This significant accomplishment, achieved by approximately 125 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 our safety culture.  This facility has been an OSHA VPP Star site since 2003.  Our employees have been involved in every facet of our safety program, which has allowed us to achieve such outstanding results,” said Jason Meunier, Facility Manager, Saybrook Converting Center.

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. 

In June, Mohawk was also 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 2012:

• Most Improved  (Specialty Converting) – Saybrook, OH
• No OSHA Recordables (Specialty Converting) – Elmira, NY
• No OSHA Recordables (Paper Distribution) – Albany Distribution, Albany, NY
• No Lost Workday Cases (Specialty Converting) – Saybrook, OH
• No Lost Workday Cases (Paper Mill #3) -  Waterford, NY
• No Lost Workday Cases (Paper Mill #3) – Cohoes , NY 

Mohawk continues to set industry leading standards for safe operations and is known throughout the paper manufacturing industry for its commitment to quality 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 milestone at our Saybrook Converting Center, and the 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 Kevin P. Richard, Executive Vice President, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Mohawk.

Currently, Mohawk ranks second out of 46 companies for overall safety by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA).