North Star BlueScope Steel is among the six companies that received the 2004 Governor’s Excellence in Workers’ Compensation Award (GEA), the Governor’s office announced. North Star BlueScope Steel won the self-insured employer category.

“Employers like North Star BlueScope have demonstrated they will go to great lengths to ensure their employees work in safe environments and I am proud to recognize them for their outstanding achievements,” Governor Bob Taft said. “Focusing on workplace safety keeps Ohioans working while also reducing the cost companies pay for compensation.”

The Governor’s Excellence in Workers’ Compensation Award is given to employers that focus on aggressively reducing workplace accidents and actively supporting injured workers with return-to-work programs.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) presented the award to North Star BlueScope on Monday, July 26 at 11:30 a.m.

BWC’s Administrator/CEO James Conrad enjoys recognizing the GEA winners for their achievement. “North Star BlueScope has made the safety of their employees and returning them home to their families each night the main priority,” Conrad said.

“The Governor’s Excellence Award symbolizes North Star BlueScope’s commitment to a safer workplace and a safer Ohio. I congratulate them on creating a workplace with high safety standards and top notch safety programs. I encourage other employers to follow their example.”

North Star BlueScope Steel is clearly dedicated to a safe and productive work environment. Its approach to safe workplace practices includes frequent training and involvement of all employees, especially top management. In 2002, North Star BlueScope received a $150,000 training grant from the state of Ohio.

Additionally, North Star BlueScope Steel employees are constantly communicating about safety. Team leaders communicate daily with employees on their crew regarding safety matters. On June 5, 2003, BWC gave North Star BlueScope Steel a rating of excellent which means that no violations of rule or law were found.

A business can be nominated for a Governor’s Excellence in Workers’ Compensation Award by a local business organization, such as a chamber of commerce, another state agency or a BWC employee. A business may also nominate itself. In addition to the two public employer winners, two winners are selected among private employers that pay into the state-fund and employ less than 100 people. Other winners include one state-fund company that employs 100 or more workers and one self-insuring employer.