CHEYENNE – Governor Matt Mead joined the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) and its partners in honoring Wyoming employers or individuals demonstrating excellence in safety and workforce practices Wednesday evening.

The awards ceremony took place at the 2016 Wyoming Safety and Workforce Summit, a joint effort between DWS, the Wyoming Oil and Gas Industry Safety Alliance (WOGISA) and the Wyoming Workforce Development Council. The Summit is an event held by the partners and speaks to both safety as way of life and the strengthening of Wyoming’s workforce.

Governor Mead emphasized the work of Wyoming Safety Alliances. “Workplace safety is critical – we want our workers to come home safely,” said Governor Mead. “We have made progress but more work needs to be done. I thank the Alliances, as well as Wyoming employers and employees, for their efforts year-round and I commend the award recipients for recognizing safety as a priority.”

WOGISA President Chris Corlis assisted with the presentation of the WOGISA Stop Work Authority Award. “The Stop Work Authority Award recognizes an immediate and proactive mechanism to identify and prevent incidents and fatalities,” said Corlis. “I applaud award recipient Reuben Hernandez. By calling for work to stop, Reuben prevented a potentially serious accident, ensuring he and his team returned home safely.”

DWS Director John Cox assisted with the presentation of the Governor’s Safety Awards for Mining and Industry. “The Governor’s Safety Award recipients set the bar for excellence in safety,” said Director Cox. “The department and its partners are grateful to these outstanding employers and workers for their leadership on this issue critical to Wyoming.”

Wyoming Workforce Development Council Chairman Jim Engel presented the Council’s Outstanding Business Contribution to the Workforce Award. “Simon Contractors has given generously of its time to participate in statewide initiatives to improve career readiness and develop Wyoming’s workforce across all industries,” said Engel. “With employers like Simon Contractors operating in our state, we cannot help but remain optimistic about the future of Wyoming’s workforce.”

The Governor’s Stop Work Authority Award

The Stop Work Authority Award recognizes an action that has taken place at a project or work site in Wyoming. The award honors an individual or group who engaged in a tangible action to stop the work or task due to a perceived, potential or actual hazardous condition.

Award Recipient:

• Reuben Hernandez

The Governor’s Safety Awards for Mining and Industry

The Governor’s Safety Awards for Mining and Industry are presented annually to acknowledge an employer’s commitment to excellence in safety and health. The winners of the awards are chosen based on strong safety records, management and employee involvement in health and safety decisions and a robust hazard identification program, among other elements

Award Recipients:

• Mandros Painting, Inc., Green River, Mine-Site Contractor – Small Employer
• Searle Bros. Construction Co., Rock Springs, Mine-Site Contractor – Large Employer
• Wyodak Resources Development Corporation Wyodak Coal Mine, Gillette, Mining – Small Employer
• Ciner Wyoming, LLC, Green River, Mining- Large Employer
• Carter Creek Gas Plant, Chevron USA, Evanston, OSHA Prestige Programs Award
• Komatsu Equipment Company, Gillette, Safety Alliance Award

The Outstanding Business Contribution to the Workforce Award

This award recognizes a company that demonstrates excellence in their contribution to the workforce system, economic development and education in Wyoming.

Award recipient:

• Simon Contractors, Cheyenne

For more information about the 2016 Wyoming Safety and Workforce Summit, visit wyomingworkforce.org.