The Ash Grove Cement Co.’s Seattle, Wash., plant received the Association of Washington Business’ Better Workplace Safety Award from Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire (D). “We are honored that our company’s comprehensive safety program has been recognized by the Association of Washington Business,” said Plant Manager Todd Hinton. “This is an important recognition for our team’s efforts because safety is a cornerstone of how we operate every minute of every hour of every day.”
According to Ash Grove’s Corporate Director of Health and Safety Steve Minshall, each of the company’s eight cement plants actively participate in the company’s health and safety management system, which includes injury prevention, compliance management, audits, and training to ensure a safe work environment for employees. “Excellent safety performance does not just happen. It takes effort, teamwork, accountability and truly valuing the well-being of every person. This recognition is a validation of the Seattle employees’ commitment to safety excellence,” Minshall said.
Ash Grove’s Seattle plant, which has operated since the 1920s and employs 80, is the only cement manufacturing plant in Washington. Ash Grove sells its products throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada. The company also has a sales office in Bellevue, Wash., and cement distribution terminals in Spokane and Kennewick.
The plant also has earned a safety award from the Portland Cement Association and the Ash Grove President’s Gold Safety Award twice, as well as Silver and Bronze Safety Awards three times each. Ash Grove is a member of the Association of Washington Business, which is the state’s preeminent business association.
