WILSON, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Labor has recertifed Bridgestone Americas Inc.'s passenger tire plant in Wilson as a Rising Star in its Carolina Star Program.
The program recognizes employers and workers for implementing effective safety and health management systems and maintaining low injury and illness rates.
The program is part of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).
The 46-year-old plant has capacity for passenger and light truck radial tires, including for original equipment customers. The plant employs 1,800, making it the largest industrial employer in Wilson County.
"At Bridgestone Americas, the well-being and safety of our employees, contractors and visitors is our most important value, and the Wilson plant's recertification as a Rising Star is a reflection of the partnership between the NCDOL, the Wilson Tire Plant and its employees and contractors," Vergil Norrod, Wilson plant manager, said.
"This recognition speaks to the commitment, dedication and diligence of each of our employees who put their heart and soul into their work every day at this plant. Every one of them should be proud of their contributions to this achievement. By enabling safe procedures in our facilities, we're able to consistently provide our customers with high-quality tires."
The Carolina Star Program is designed to recognize and promote effective safety and health management procedures across the state. Program participants proactively partner with the NCDOL's OSHA Division to advance and enable safe business practices to help prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses.