Smithfield Foods, Inc. Wins 2015 Safety First Grant From Safety National

SMITHFIELD, Va., Dec. 08, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. is honored to announce its selection as the winner of Safety National’s 2015 Safety First Grant Program.

Safety National, a leading provider of workers compensation insurance solutions, awarded the $10,000 grant to Smithfield Foods to support its innovative and impactful blade stop technology used in its meat cutting band saws. This pioneering technology reduces lacerations and other safety risks to employees.

“The safety of our employees is paramount at Smithfield. As we look for innovative and ongoing ways to further improve employee safety, we are proud to be recognized by Safety National for our industry leading efforts to provide the safest environment possible for our workforce. The effective blade stop technology used in our band saws has dramatically reduced safety risks and incidents, and we are honored to be awarded with this grant to enhance our safety efforts,” said Parul Stevens, vice president, risk management, Smithfield Foods.

Safety National’s Risk Control Committee evaluated award nominees based on creativity, innovation, anticipated impact, marketability and repeatability.

“We were impressed with the innovative and impactful solution that was created by Smithfield Foods to reduce risk of employee injury and subsequent workers’ compensation losses in its organization,” said David Snodgrass, assistant vice president, risk control services, Safety National. “We believe that this technology has application beyond Smithfield and look forward to seeing how this can serve as a model for other businesses who face similar risks.”

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, John Morrell®, Gwaltney®, Nathan's Famous®, Kretschmar®, Margherita®, Curly's®, Carando® and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

Contact:

Kathleen Kirkham
Smithfield Foods, Inc.
(757) 365-1965
[email protected]