Eleven Mid-South cotton gins won the Diamond Award of Excellence for outstanding worker safety programs in 2016. Additionally, 27 gins earned the Platinum Award, the next highest level. There were 18 Gold Award winners; 16 Silver Award winners; and 8 Bronze Awards. Most Improved Awards were also presented.
Eleven Mid-South cotton gins won the Diamond Award of Excellence for outstanding worker safety programs in 2016. It is the highest level in the Southern Cotton Ginners Association’s annual safety awards program. To win the award, a gin must earn a Platinum grade for five consecutive years.
“It’s tough to score that high one year, but to do it five years in a row takes a lot of effort and dedication, beginning at the top with management, and including every gin employee,” says William Lindamood, SCGA safety director.
Additionally, 27 gins earned the Platinum Award, the next highest level. There were 18 Gold Award winners; 16 Silver Award winners; and 8 Bronze Awards. Most Improved Awards were also presented.
Award winners at all levels of the safety program were honored at a luncheon held in conjunction with the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show.
“Those qualifying for the Bronze level have done a commendable job of basic compliance and documentation,” Lindamood says. “All of our award winners are striving to improve their safety programs and are working toward an accident-free culture of safety.