Not so much ‘hot off the press’ but more ‘worthy of mention’ is a story from the US steelmaker, AK Steel.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, Division of Safety and Hygiene, have recognised the US steelmaker’s Zanesville (Ohio) Works and Coshocton (Ohio) Works for outstanding safety performance.

The recognition is part of a collaborative safety awareness program established by the Zanesville – Muskingum County – Safety Council and Chamber of Commerce and by the Coshocton County Safety Council and Chamber of Commerce.

In a press release issued on 11 July 2018, AK’s chief executive officer, Roger K Newport commented: “I’m pleased to congratulate our Zanesville Works and Coshocton Works employees for their outstanding safety achievement, which demonstrates our commitment to safety at AK Steel.”

Newport added that the company was “proud of this important recognition”.

AK Steel’s Zanesville Works received the “100% Award” for safety for operating throughout 2017 without any lost-time injuries or illnesses. The plant received a special award for safety for operating 5,648,260 hours without a lost-time injury between April 21, 2003 and December 31, 2017. The Zanesville plant also received the “Group Award” for having the lowest incident rate in each employer group.

The US steelmaker's Coshocton Works received the “Special Award for Safety” for operating without a lost-time injury between April 26, 2016 and September 27, 2017.

The company describes itself as ‘an industry leader in safety results, with a safety record in 2017 that continues to be significantly better than the industry average’.

AK Steel is a leading producer of flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, which are mainly used by the automotive, infrastructure and manufacturing, electrical power generation and distribution markets.