Compared to 10-15 years ago, companies are safer. Whether it’s tighter regulations, more awareness, enhanced experience, technology improvements or other factors, companies are doing a better job keeping their employees safe at the workplace. However, that number has plateaued over the last couple of years—the total incident rate per 100 workers has not changed significantly since 2017.

2020 was a particularly high-stress year for supply chains. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations and brought new hazards and health risks that companies had to consider. As businesses head into 2021, the need for change is clear.

When COVID-19 struck the global economy, it did particular damage to the food industry. Many restaurants were forced to close. Those that survived had to quickly adopt technological systems and practices that allowed for continued business.

The supply chain is a part of every industry. Businesses, manufacturing plants and factories must be operational to keep supply chains going for food, technology and all types of commerce. With COVID-19 disrupting the entire world, safety is now a top priority.

Economies all over the world are ramping back up. It would be extremely premature to say that the pandemic is over, but even COVID-19 can’t keep the wheels of production still for long. The question is, can frontline workers in essential industries, like manufacturing, return to work with confidence?

Avetta, a provider of supply chain risk management, announced the company has been awarded a Gold Stevie® for Avetta Connect™: The Platform for Interconnecting Workers Across the Supply Chain. The company will be recognized at the 18th Annual American Business Awards® virtual awards ceremony on August 5. It’s the second consecutive year Avetta has been honored with a Gold Award.