Gov. Beshear Recognizes Tokai Carbon GE of Hickman for Workplace Safety Record
Fulton County graphite electrode manufacturer nets Governor’s Safety and Health Award
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 18, 2022) — Tokai Carbon GE LLC of Hickman has earned a Governor’s Safety and Health Award for its ongoing commitment to workplace safety, Gov. Andy Beshear announced today.
Between April 2014 and June 30, 2022, employees working at the Fulton County graphite electrode manufacturing facility logged 887,028 consecutive hours on the job without reporting a workplace injury or illness resulting in lost time.
“I congratulate Tokai Carbon and every hard-working employee at the Hickman facility for continuing to build upon an impressive occupational safety and health record that began more than eight years ago,” Gov. Beshear said. “This is another great example of how good things can happen when companies actively work to raise occupational safety awareness and Kentuckians look out for each other on the job.”
Lynn Whitehouse, acting director of the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Program (KYSAFE), presented the award to employees and company officials at the plant Aug. 25.
Chris Harris, vice president of operations at Tokai Carbon, said workplace safety is an integral part of the company’s core values.
“This award is a clear indication of our commitment and dedication to safety from each and every employee at our Hickman facility,” Harris said. “Without treating safety as a priority, we would not be able to achieve a safety record over eight years without a significant accident.”
Tokai Carbon GE LLC is a subsidiary of Tokai Carbon Co. LTD, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The parent company has been in business since 1918 and is one of the world’s leading graphite electrode suppliers.
The company purchased the U.S.-based graphite electrode business from SGL Carbon in November 2017 to better serve the U.S. steel industry. Through its corporate office in Charlotte, North Carolina, the firm now operates production facilities in Hickman, Kentucky, and Ozark, Arkansas.
The Hickman facility has been in existence for more than 50 years and employs 78 people.
Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet Secretary Jamie Link commended Tokai Carbon managers and employees for creating an impressive safety track record. He said he hopes other firms will learn of the company’s success and increase occupational safety and health awareness.
“Workplace injuries and illnesses are costly for everyone involved,” Link said. “Employees injured on the job can face financial hardships and companies lose money, so it’s best to work proactively to reduce or eliminate accidents altogether.”
The KYSAFE program builds alliances with Kentucky employers to promote worker safety and health through high-quality education and technical assistance. The Governor’s Safety and Health Award program recognizes Kentucky companies who demonstrate outstanding safety and health performance in the workplace.
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Tokai Carbon GE LLC
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