The N.C. Department of Labor safety awards program recognizes private and public firms throughout the state that achieve and maintain good safety records. The program is designed to stimulate interest in accident prevention and to promote safety in the workplace by providing an incentive to employers and employees to maintain a safe and healthful workplace.

To qualify for an annual safety award, a company must (1) have had no fatalities during the calendar year at the site or location for which the award was given; and (2) have maintained an incidence rate at least 50 percent below the average for its particular industry group. Two award levels are distributed—gold and silver. The gold award is based on the DART rate, which includes cases of days away from work, restricted activity or job transfer. The silver award is based only on cases with days away from work. They are recorded when the worker misses at least one full day of work, not including the day of the injury.

The Gold Award was presented to Kevin T. Cripps by Ms. Cherie K. Berry, Commissioner at the 33rd Annual Safety Awards Banquet held in Wilimgton, NC.