Union County Government has earned the North Carolina Department of Labor's (NCDOL) Gold Award for outstanding workplace safety, along with Union County Water and Union County Parks and Recreation. 

N.C. Commissioner of Labor Luke Farley presented the awards to Union County staff at an awards banquet hosted by the Union County Chamber of Commerce at the Union County Agricultural Center. The NCDOL Safety Awards Program recognizes employers across the state who demonstrate a strong commitment to accident prevention and maintaining a safe, healthful workplace. This year marks the tenth consecutive award for Union County Government and the sixth consecutive award for Union County Water. 

"These awards reflect our organization’s commitment to keeping our employees safe - whether working in the field, in the office, or at a public facility," said Assistant County Manager Clayton Voignier. "I'm especially proud that this recognition extends to the outstanding work of our departments, whose employees are often on the front lines delivering essential services to our residents."

The Gold Award is presented to organizations that have recorded zero fatalities at their respective locations during the calendar year and maintained a Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) rate at least 50% below the average for their industry.

"We've worked hard to make safety a shared responsibility," said Jeff Morgan, Director of Security Risk Management. "We are very proud of the effort many in Union County have put into ensuring every employee goes home the same way they come to work. Union County’s Safety team consisting of Mike Farrar, Risk and Safety Manager, and Safety Officers, Jayme Hargett and Hayden Hunter play a critical role in ensuring Union County mitigates risks and takes a proactive approach to safety. This team will continue to work hard to ensure that Union County continues to raise the bar on safety and be recognized for the County’s commitment to safety."

The award highlights proactive measures the organization and departments take, including expanded safety training, regular inspections and improved reporting processes.

Pictured left to right: Risk Manager Vinny Sciascia, Assistant County Manager Clayton Voignier, Risk & Safety Program Manager Michael Farrar, Safety Officer Hayden Hunter, Labor Commissioner Luke Farley, and Director of Security Risk Management Jeff Morgan at the Union County Chamber of Commerce Safety Awards Banquet, where Union County was recognized for receiving the N.C. Department of Labor's Gold Awards for workplace safety.

Pictured left to right: Assistant Director of Water & Wastewater Operations Josh Brooks, Safety Officer Hayden Hunter, Director of Water Business Operations Amy McCaskill, Water Administrator Hyong Yi, Director of Water & Wastewater Operations Chris Clark

Pictured left to right: Director of Security Risk Management Jeff Morgan, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director David Pascal, Parks and Recreation Maintenance Supervisor Kevin Nussbaum, Parks and Recreation Park Superintendent Jared Steele