Released on February 28, 2008

Seven Indiana companies were recognized with 2008 Governor’s Workplace Safety Awards for advancing occupational safety and health, including Gartland Foundry Company Inc., Terre Haute, Ind.

The awards, which focus on best practices for eliminating job-related accidents and illnesses, were handed out in four categories: innovations, partnerships, construction, and education and outreach. Gartland was awarded the prize for innovation at a medium-size company.

The judges said they recognized Gartland for “believing a safe workplace is a proactive workplace.” The company has been involved in a voluntary safety program known as INSHARP for the past six years.

In addition to Gartland, BioConvergence LLC, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana Inc., Purdue Univ. Physical Facilities and Liberty Mutual Loss Prevention Services, HomeCrest Cabinetry, and Steinberger Construction Inc. won safety awards.

“These honorees decided to make occupation safety a top concern, which paid off by engaging their workers in safety efforts and significantly reducing their number of workplace injuries,” said. Indiana Commissioner of Labor Lori Torres during a luncheon ceremony at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual Safety and Health Conference & Expo in Indianapolis. “Also, they are recognized as examples to their peers and resources for workplace safety knowledge.”