AGC PLANT GETS STATE RECOGNITION FOR SAFETY

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE NEWS ENTERPRISE http://www.thenewsenterprise.com/content/agc-plant-gets-state-recognition-safety
By Carly Besser
Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 1:03 am (Updated: June 26, 1:30 am)
Safety isn’t just a set of codes and regulations. It’s a culture.
That was the message given by Anthony Russell, Commissioner of Workplace Standards for the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, when he presented the Elizabethtown AGC Automotive facility with its third Governor’s Health and Safety Award.
The Elizabethtown plant earned a plaque signed by Gov. Steve Beshear after going 2,872,182 hours without a lost-time accident or illness.
“This safety stuff is not a sprint,” Russell said. “You don’t sprint 100 yards across the line. It’s a marathon. It’s every minute, every second, every hour of every day that you’re here.”
To earn the award, Kentucky companies of 500 or more employees must complete 1 million hours without a lost-time injury or illness. Currently, AGC has gone 3.4 million hours without a lost time injury. AGC previously received the health and safety award in 2000 and 2013.
Russell said just complying with Occupational Health and Safety codes does not ensure a 100 percent safe workplace. Employees and associates must also embody a culture of safe procedures and take it seriously.
After a presentation of the history and demographics of the company, Russell and state Rep. Jimmie Lee were given a tour by Plant Manager Scott Guenther, who explained the operations of the 735,000-square-foot factory. Every wall of the plant was decorated with caution signs and posters that emphasized the importance of safety procedures.
“As corporate leaders, it’s our responsibility to make sure that our employees go home safely at the end of the day,” Guenther said.
Since it was established in 1988, AGC has been a large job source for residents. Currently, 61 percent of its 604 employees reside in Hardin County. The plant manufactures automotive glass for new vehicles and aftermarket replacement glass. It is the leading supplier for brands such as Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Mercedes, Honda and more.
The Elizabethtown plant is one of four AGC Automotive facilities in North America.
“No production without the assurance of safety is the fundamental basis of our business activity,” Guenther said. “Our 600-plus associates are committed to the safe and successful operation of the Elizabethtown plant. AGC is focused on eliminating all serious injuries or illnesses to ensure that all of our associates return home in the same good condition as when they arrived for work.”
Carly Besser can be reached at 270-505-1740 or cbesser@thenewsenterprise.com.