The Oldcastle Precast, Inc. plant in Toccoa, GA recently celebrated 10 years without a lost-time accident -- a streak that began on January 22, 2001.

“This is a big deal for the plant, our employees, their families, and for the entire community,” said plant Operations Manager Craig Cheek.

The company manufactures precast concrete utility vaults, sanitary and storm manholes and box culverts that are used in multiple industries. "We work in a business that is very hazardous due to the size of our equipment and products. Our company is committed to safety and will continue to make it our number-one concern for our employees," Cheek said. "We are very fortunate to have the same commitment from our very dedicated employees."

Cheek attributed the achievement to the employees and to a program that has them looking after each other's safety. Each employee has a different area of prevention and safety that he monitors. "We have a very strong, in-depth employee driven safety program," he said. "They do a good job. In this industry, that's pretty incredible," said Cheek.

According to Oldcastle Precast, its safety and health program includes

• Significant employer commitment
• An active safety and health committee
• Job safety analysis
• Identification of hazards
• Near-miss hazard reports
• Behavioral-based safety observations, and
• Regular safety and health training.

The company also has a system for Safety Program Ownership which is composed of twenty-one separate safety programs, each having a specific “owner” who is responsible for the implementation and success of that program. In addition, extensive audits and inspections of the facility are completed on a regular basis.

Ray Rhees, Group President/COO of Oldcastle Precast, Inc National Sales, Marketing & Estimating Group commended the Oldcastle Precast –Toccoa, GA plant. “We work very hard across all of our businesses to make safety our top priority, and our colleagues in Toccoa have led the way by their example. Each of us are indebted to them for their leadership”.

The Oldcastle Precast manufacturing plant employs about 20 people, most of whom are from local families in the Stephens and Franklin County area. Over the years the plant has received multiple safety achievement awards from the National Precast Concrete Association.

About Oldcastle Precast, Inc.

Oldcastle Precast, Inc is the leading manufacturer of precast and polymer concrete products in the U.S. Providing engineered product solutions nationwide to a number of market sectors including: Water, Transportation, Power & Energy, Communications Engineering Services, Construction Services, Government/Military. Oldcastle Precast is part of Oldcastle Building Products. For more information, visit the company’s website at: www.oldcastleprecast.com.