The Holcim (US) Inc. cement plant located in Midlothian, Texas, recently surpassed several safety milestones and is the recipient of prestigious industry safety awards.
Employees at the Midlothian plant have worked over five years without a lost-time injury, and have exceeded one year without having an injury reaching the level that requires a report to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). MSHA, the federal branch of the US Department of Labor with jurisdiction over the cement manufacturing industry, recently nominated the Holcim Midlothian plant for its prestigious "Sentinels of Safety" award for this outstanding record.
Earlier this year, the Portland Cement Association (PCA) awarded the plant with the "2009 Safety Innovation Award" for the development of an inflatable safety device known as the 'Duct Plug,' which is intended to protect workers from falling objects and debris while working in vertical or near-vertical ducts. The Holcim Midlothian plant was one of nine recipients of this award, which is presented annually by the PCA to member companies which demonstrate innovation and creative solutions to safety issues in the portland cement manufacturing sector.
For the second consecutive year, the Midlothian plant was awarded the PCA's "Chairman's Safety Award," the highest safety honor awarded by the Association. Nine manufacturing plants in the US and Canada were recognized this year for their superb safety records. The Midlothian plant is the only United States cement manufacturing plant to be recognized both years that the award has been presented.
"The safety of our employees is our most important core value," said Michel Moser, Midlothian plant manager. "We're certainly proud of these awards, but more importantly, our employees can come to work each day knowing that they can do their jobs in a safe environment and go home injury-free."
About Holcim (US) Inc.
Holcim (US) Inc. is a subsidiary of Holcim Ltd, and one of the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of cement and mineral components. Holcim (US) has approximately 2,000 employees and operates 13 manufacturing plants and 70 distribution facilities in the United States.
About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.