WE EARN GOVERNOR'S SAFETY AWARDS

For excellence in workplace safety and health, the Minnesota Safety Council awarded Governor�™s Safety Awards to APi Group Inc. and its three subsidiary companies: APi Electric, Jamar Company, and Viking Automatic Sprinkler Company.

The companies were recognized at the Governor�™s Safety Awards luncheon at the Minneapolis Convention Center on May 15.

“An effective safety program reduces injuries and costs, maximizes productivity and builds morale,” said Carol Bufton, president of the Minnesota Safety Council. “Employers like those within APi Group understand that safety is good business, now more than ever.”

As the assistant to APi Electric Safety Director Jim McKinnon, Debbie Witkofsky said she experiences his passion for safety 365 days each year. APi Electric earned the Award of Honor Award in 2008 and 2009.

“The Jamar Co. puts a lot of effort into building a belief system that zero injuries is not only achievable, but expected,” said Jamar Co. Safety Manager Greg Olek. This is Jamar's third-consecutive year to win the Award of Honor for its achievements in risk management and leadership in safety.

“We strive to be the best in everything we do and are unwilling to accept anything less than excellence in safety and loss control,” Olek said.

According to Viking�™s Corporate Risk Manager Mike Leidholm, the company operates on set values that put safety at the forefront.

“We have made great strides in developing our safety culture over the years and it is starting to show in our performance,” Leidholm said. “We truly have a great group of employees that not only believe in our safety program, but they are the leaders as well.”

The annual Governor�™s Safety Awards have spotlighted Minnesota employers with above average safety records since 1934. Participants submit injury information that is compared with state and national data, and the entrant�™s past performance. Ongoing safety programs and activities are also considered.

Winners are recognized at three levels:

1. Award of Honor: Exceptional accomplishment in reduction of injuries and illnesses in the workplace.
2. Outstanding Achievement: Continuing improvement and/or a continuing outstanding record.
3. Meritorious Achievement: Better than average performance in incident rates.

APi Electric and The Jamar Co. each received an Award of Honor. APi Group earned an Outstanding Achievement Award and Viking Automatic Sprinkler received a Meritorious Achievement Award.

The Governor�™s Safety Awards luncheon is part of the 75th Minnesota Safety &Health Conference, coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council. The conference is the oldest and largest gathering of workplace safety and health professionals in the region. The Minnesota Safety Council, founded in 1928, is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Minnesota by preventing unintentional injuries.