Veridian reaches 2,500,000 hours, eight year safety milestone

AJAX, ON, March 15 /CNW/ - Veridian Corporation announced that the company has amassed 2,500,000 hours worked without a lost-time injury. The milestone required over eight continuous years of work among its 200-plus employees without a single job related injury that resulted in an employee not being able to return to work.

The announcement was made by President and CEO Michael Angemeer, who praised employees and managers for establishing a culture of safety, where everyone equally shares the job of creating a safe, healthy work environment and reporting correctable safety situations.

"The milestone is a true testament to our employees and management who have established a safety-first culture," said Angemeer. "Given the number and types of tasks our employees are asked to do, it is a great accomplishment for our organization to go without a lost-time injury in over eight years. The milestone has spanned an era that has seen Veridian successfully and efficiently merge nine utilities, while improving employee safety and customer service - a remarkable achievement."

Veridian's safety record has benefited from the strong leadership and support of Veridian's Board of Directors and management, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the company's Joint Health and Safety Committees. "Our Board, our management, the union and our safety committees all hold common values when it comes to workplace safety," said Angemeer. "They have all been very supportive of our efforts to maintain a workplace that emphasizes ongoing training, skill development and personal responsibility. This has allowed us to build the foundation of a strong safety culture which is an important base for improved productivity and innovation."

Jim Miners, Veridian's Manager of Health & Safety and Environment echoed Angemeer's congratulatory message and is confident that the company will continue its safety performance. "This is an industry benchmark that demonstrates Veridian's commitment to safety and the dedication that each employee shows every day," said Miners. "When every employee understands and fulfills their individual health and safety responsibilities, there is a reduced likelihood of work-related injuries. Our employees collectively work roughly 7,000 hours every week of the year, with a focus on creating a safe environment for themselves and their co-workers."

Veridian's commitment to safety extends beyond its offices. The company is a founding member of the CEO Health & Safety Charter - a Canada-wide initiative that aims to achieve a breakthrough in health and safety performance. The Charter is based on the principle that effectively managing health, safety and wellness is essential for a business to succeed.

Veridian's long-standing safety record has not gone unnoticed. In October 2008, the Electrical & Utilities Safety Association (E&USA) recognized Veridian for achieving 2,000,000 hours worked without a lost time injury with their prestigious 'President's Award' for safety.

Veridian Corporation, the seventh largest municipal electricity company in Ontario, owns and operates two subsidiary companies that distribute electricity and provide energy services to more than 111,000 customers located in nine municipalities in east central Ontario. Together, our employees focus on providing reliable, efficient, sustainable energy solutions and services, and equally share the job of making employee and public health and safety our number one priority. We are an important fixture in the communities we serve. In addition to providing reasonable electricity rates, we promote economic growth, community building and sustainable living. Veridian Corporation is committed to providing value and healthy financial returns to our shareholders - the City of Pickering, the Town of Ajax, the Municipality of Clarington and the City of Belleville. For more information, visit www.veridian.on.ca.

For further information: Chris Mace, Sales & PR Representative - Corporate Communications, Veridian Connections Inc., [phone], extension 2218