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Public Health recognized for safety

Public Health recognized for safety

Published: November 30, 2023

CATAWBA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH EARNS PUBLIC SECTOR STAR AWARD

HICKORY – As part of its safety recognition program, the N.C. Department of Labor has certified Catawba County Public Health as a Public Sector Star site for the third time in a row.

Catawba County Public Health is currently the only health department in North Carolina to be recognized as a Public Sector Star site and the organization first earned the Star certification in 2013.

Catawba County Public Health employees received their Public Sector Star safety award by N.C. Department of Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson at a celebration on November 29.

“Being recognized as a Public Sector Star site shows our commitment to providing a safe work environment,” said Catawba County Public Health Director Jennifer McCracken. “Being recertified as a Public Sector Star site is a testament to all the hard work our employees have put into achieving the highest safety standard in the state.”

The Carolina Star, including the Public Sector Star award, is the most prestigious safety recognition given by the N.C. Department of Labor. Organizations that qualify for the award have exemplary safety and health programs in the workplace. The Star Program recognizes excellence in site-specific occupational safety and health management systems. Star Program participants have effective safety and health management systems that serve as models for other businesses. Carolina and Public Sector Star sites are selected through an application process. Organizations applying for the recognition must fill out a multi-page, multi-question application including topics such as emergency programs and drills, employee participation, and injury and illness rates. Applicants also undergo an onsite evaluation including document review, a walk-through to identify hazards, and employee interviews.

“We set the bar very high for ourselves by achieving this recognition and these efforts allow our employees to focus on providing the best service possible, in the safest environment,” said McCracken.