SMITHFIELD, VA. — Smithfield Foods Inc. recently announced that the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) presented 51 US locations with Environmental Recognition Awards and 33 US facilities with Worker Safety Awards.

NAMI plans to recognize the two awards categories during its annual program and conference March 29-30. 

“Through our culture of continuous improvement, Smithfield has led industry efforts to ensure the health and safety of our workforce and to implement improvements across our value chain that safeguard the environment,” said Stewart Leeth, chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. “We’re delighted that NAMI has once again recognized dozens of our facilities for their good stewardship of our Smithfield Family members, planet and natural resources in the communities we operate in.”

The Environmental Recognition awards reflect a companies’ commitment to environmental improvement with the development and implementation of the Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Award recognitions begin at the Tier 1 level with simple environmental compliance policies and culminate with Tier 4, the most complex programs with associated ISO 14001 certification. More than 40 Smithfield locations received Tier 4 recognition.

For the Worker Safety Awards, NAMI identifies safety performance from companies that employ injury, illness reduction and other areas that work on effective health and safety programs. Smithfield said the National Safety Council determines the designation level of each facility by analyzing both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Total Recordable Cases rate and the rate for Cases with Days Away from Work, Job Transfer or Restriction (DART).

“Smithfield Foods continues to be an industry leader in environmental stewardship and worker safety,” said Julie Anna Potts, president and chief executive officer of NAMI. “Their comprehensive continuous improvement efforts at their facilities across the nation demonstrates a commitment to the men and women who work at Smithfield and to the communities they call home.”

An entire list of Smithfield locations was made available by the company here.