KANSAS CITY MO. — Last week, 142 meat and poultry plants were recognized for outstanding safety performance at the American Meat Institute Foundation’s (A.M.I.F.) annual Conference on Worker Safety, Human Resources and the Environment, which was held April 29-30, at Westin Crown Center, Kansas City, Mo.

“This program’s ongoing success is a reflection of our industry’s strong dedication to making workplace safety a top priority,” said J. Patrick Boyle, president and chief executive officer, American Meat Institute (A.M.I.). “We applaud the efforts of these plants to protect their workers and for their continued commitment to further progress.”

While 46 plants were recognized with the Award of Honor -- the highest award – 48 received the Award of Merit. Thirty-two plants received the Award of Commendation and 16 received a Certificate of Recognition.

Various levels of awards that can be earned are based on an evaluation of each eligible plant’s actual safety performance, as well as its implementation of various key components of an effective safety and health program as measured by the safety program questionnaire.

A.M.I. relays the meat and poultry industry’s commitment to improving workplace safety is reflected in the significant and consistent decline in illness and injury rates among its nearly 500,000 workers over the past two decades.

To read a list of this year’s Safety Award winners, visit: http://www.meatami.com/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/59190.