UniFirst Owensboro Achieves Prestigious Safety Awards Recognizing Commitment to Workplace Safety

Achievements in Safety: UniFirst Owensboro's Exceptional Recognition

UniFirst Corporation, a leading provider of customized business uniform programs and facility service products in North America, proudly announces that its Owensboro Distribution and Fulfillment Center in Kentucky has reached significant safety milestones. Recently, the facility secured the coveted Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and was honored with the esteemed Governor's Safety and Health Award, presented by Kentucky's Governor, Andy Beshear.

The VPP Star certification signifies OSHA's highest level of recognition for organizations demonstrating an unwavering commitment to workplace safety. Furthermore, the Governor's Safety and Health Award recognizes establishments that have surpassed 1,000,000 hours without a lost-time incident, highlighting the exceptional measures implemented to maintain a robust safety culture.

UniFirst's Owensboro facility has now received the Governor's award four times, previously in 2010, 2020, and 2022. This ongoing recognition underscores the company's dedication to fostering a safe working environment for its employees and achieving operational excellence.

A Culture Built on Safety

Michael Gunter, Safety Engineer at UniFirst-Owensboro, expressed gratitude towards the dedicated Team Partners responsible for these remarkable feats. He stated, "Success in safety doesn't happen by chance; it's the result of diligent efforts, daily teamwork, and a deep belief in the value of our safety programs. Whether we're tracking hazards, conducting team-led audits, or generating innovative safety enhancements, every Team Partner plays a crucial role in ensuring everyone goes home safe."

Obtaining the VPP certification requires a rigorous process involving comprehensive evaluations, on-site audits by Kentucky OSHA experts, and thorough employee surveys to affirm a strong safety-first culture. Achieving over 1,000,000 hours worked without a lost-time incident mirrors strict adherence to safety protocols and a collaborative mindset in sustaining workplace safety. These accolades serve as vital benchmarks for UniFirst's proactive safety measures and commitment to protecting its workforce.

Kerry Bailey, Human Resource Manager at UniFirst-Owensboro, stated, "Receiving the Governor's Safety and Health Award for the fourth time proves how deeply ingrained safety is in everything we do. It's about creating an environment where every employee feels empowered to prioritize safety. To reach this level of recognition again is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every Owensboro Team Partner."

Dan Getter, Senior Manager of Safety Operations, added that the Team Partners exemplify the safety culture nurtured within the company. He noted, "From identifying potential risks to engaging in regular audits and reviews, achieving both the VPP Star certification and the Governor's Safety and Health Award is proof that safety is truly a shared responsibility and an intentional daily effort."

Continuous Improvement and Expansion Plans

The dedication to safety at the Owensboro facility translates into ongoing bi-weekly plant audits, quarterly assessments across 25 operational areas, and active contributions from Team Partners. These practices have positioned UniFirst as a leader in workplace safety, establishing a benchmark for facilities throughout Kentucky and North America.

In addition to these achievements, UniFirst has embarked on an expansion of the Owensboro Distribution Center, a significant 109,000-square-foot project that will expand the facility's footprint to nearly half a million square feet. Governor Beshear's recognition and support for this expansion further illustrate its importance in the region.

Together, the safety honors and infrastructure projects exemplify UniFirst's ongoing investment in its workforce and operations. For further insights into OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program and its significance in promoting workplace safety, one can visit OSHA's VPP website. To learn more about UniFirst Corporation and its award-winning services, visit www.unifirst.com.

About UniFirst

Headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF) stands as a North American leader in delivering uniform and workwear programs, facility service products, as well as first aid and safety supplies. Alongside its subsidiaries, the company also manages specialized garment programs for cleanroom and nuclear industries. Apart from partnering with leading brands, UniFirst manufactures its own range of workwear, protective clothing, and floorcare products at three ISO-9001 certified facilities. With over 270 service locations, more than 300,000 customer sites, and a team of over 16,000 employee Team Partners, UniFirst outfits more than two million workers every day. For further inquiries, reach UniFirst at 888.296.2740 or visit UniFirst.com. Follow UniFirst on social media platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram.