The Minnesota Safety Council has awarded a Governor’s Safety Award to Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services for excellence in workplace safety and health.

FMCS is one of 249 employers (out of 522 entrants) who will be recognized at the Governor’s Safety Awards luncheon at the Minneapolis Convention Center on May 15.

“An effective safety program reduces injuries and costs, maximizes productivity and builds morale,” said Carol Bufton, president of the Minnesota Safety Council. “Employers like Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services understand that safety is good business, now more than ever.”

FMCS President and CEO, Jim Krueger, noted that the award was being made during May, observed nationally as Electrical Safety Month. “Being awarded this distinction for safety is truly a credit to the most important asset of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services — our employees,” said Jim Krueger, president and chief executive officer.

“Line workers are called on to perform hazardous work in all sorts of weather conditions, and at all hours, in daylight and in darkness. The safe delivery of electric service requires a commitment to job training, a team effort in which employees look out for each other’s safety, and attentiveness to details. For our electric cooperative to be given this award for the second time in three years is indeed an honor. We are very proud of our employees for this achievement.”

Since 1934, the annual Governor’s Safety Awards have spotlighted Minnesota employers with above average safety records. Participants submit injury information which is compared with state and national data, as well as the entrant’s past performance. Ongoing safety programs and activities are also considered.