FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 14, 2026) — Forty-two Kentucky employers were recognized for workplace safety and health excellence at this year’s annual Governor’s Safety and Health Conference in Owensboro.
“Kentucky’s historic economic momentum would not be possible without our incredible workforce. These hardworking Kentuckians deserve to know they are safe at their job and able to return to their families each day,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thank you to each of these companies for showing a continued commitment to keeping our people safe.”
Employers earned Governor’s Safety and Health Awards from KYSAFE for collectively logging more than 38.6 million consecutive hours on the job by workers between June 1, 2025, and May 30, 2026, without experiencing an occupational injury or illness resulting in lost time. A complete list of award-winners, along with the number of consecutive hours worked without a lost-time injury or illness, can be found here.
The Governor also recently proclaimed Aug. 4-7, 2026, as Safety and Health in the Workplace Week.
Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman presented awards to employers in attendance and encouraged employers to partner with the KYSAFE program to alleviate workplace hazards and protect Kentucky workers.
“These employers are leading by example and taking steps every day to make their workplaces safer for their employees, that truly makes them a shining star in our commonwealth,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said.
Rep. Al Gentry spoke about the importance of having an effective safety and health plan in the workplace during his keynote address.
Gentry was the victim of a workplace accident in 1993 that resulted in the amputation of his dominant arm above the elbow. He said the remarkable execution of an emergency response plan by a contractor at his workplace the day of the accident saved his life, and he urged Kentucky employers to be prepared to handle any type of worst-case scenario in the workplace.
“Although we all ultimately teach and preach accident prevention, accidents can happen,” Rep. Gentry said.
More than 300 people from across the commonwealth gathered last week at the annual conference to attend workshops, training events and learn about the latest trends in the occupational safety and health industry. The conference offered workshops on fall protection, silica dust, trenching, machine safeguarding and more.
For more than four decades, the Education and Labor Cabinet has partnered with the Kentucky Safety and Health Network Inc. to host an annual conference and exposition dedicated to occupational safety and health awareness.
The Governor’s Safety and Health Awards Program is administered by the Education and Labor Cabinet’s Division of Education and Training – also known as KYSAFE – to recognize Kentucky employers who demonstrate outstanding workplace safety and health performance.
KYSAFE offers free educational opportunities, training, technical assistance and confidential services for Kentucky employers to promote worker safety in the commonwealth. Learn how employers saved more than $35 million in potential fines in 2025 through KYSAFE voluntary surveys and partnership programs.
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