(CBS News Channel 5) – Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead has again honored Black Hills Corp.’s Wyodak Mine employees with a Governor’s Workplace Safety Award in the small mines employer division.
Wyodak Mine Manager Marc Ostrem accepted the award on behalf of the company and the 67 employees who work at the mine near Gillette, Wyoming, during Wednesday night’s presentation at the annual Wyoming Safety & Workforce Summit in Cheyenne.
“We commit to live and work safely every day, and we are honored to be recognized by the governor and the state of Wyoming for our success in making employee and public safety our priority,” Ostrem said. “We take great pride in our safety record and consider zero incidents the only acceptable outcome.”
In April, the Wyoming State Mine Inspector for a fifth consecutive year commended Wyodak Mine employees for their safety record. Ostrem credits the company’s commendable safety record to a culture of training, daily reminders and employees who look out for one another.
“We clearly understand that safety isn’t about statistics but about individual lives and the co-workers, friends and family we work safely for each day,” Ostrem said. “With that in mind, keeping detailed records and celebrating milestones contributes to our success, and we’re proud of our accomplishments.”
In May, the Wyodak team also celebrated one year with no first aid injuries. The mine employees’ safety record is particularly impressive in light of the size and scope of operations at the mine, where huge machines churn constantly and haul trucks as big as houses crisscross the open pit mine.
“We work closely with the Wyoming State Mine inspectors and other agencies and organizations to ensure the safety of our employees, and we greatly appreciate their contributions to our success,” Ostrem said.
The governor recognized several companies and their employees for health and safety achievements that protect employees and effectively promote corporate citizenship. The summit is hosted each year by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services and its partners.
