Channellock Earns Safety Award

MEADVILLE, Pa.—Channellock Inc., a supplier of hand tools, is the recipient of this year's Pennsylvania Governor's Award for Safety Excellence.

"Providing a safe work environment for Channellock employees is of the greatest importance," says Bill DeArment, Channellock's president and CEO. "We are honored to be recognized for a safety program that was formed through collaborative efforts, one that we plan to continue to evolve as the needs of our employees evolve."

The awards are given to Pennsylvania companies that demonstrate excellence in accident reduction, safety program implementation and employee safety involvement. Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry made the final award determinations after completing an on-site visit of each semi-finalist's facilities and a review of each applicant's safety program and results.

Channellock's safety program is an ongoing, collaborative effort between its management team and union. Channellock has established a Total Safety program that emphasizes accident prevention and job safety awareness.

As employee participation has increased over the years, and its safety processes have become more refined, Channellock's injury frequency has declined. In 2007, Channellock experienced 90% fewer employee injuries than in 2001, which prompted its workers' compensation insurance carrier, the PMA Insurance Group, to nominate Channellock for this award for the second year running.

"Channellock has made safety a priority," says Tim Davis, Channellock's safety director. "It's part of our everyday business now. We have made material handling changes, added a safety awareness program, formed a proactive safety committee and implemented training in first aid and CPR. Today, we conduct monthly safety checks in every department and use these measures collectively to prevent accidents and keep Channellock a safe place to work."