National Office Furniture was awarded the Governor’s Safety and Health Award on Friday, with a special presentation before some of the Danville plant’s 200 employees.

Commissioner Ervin Dimeny of the Department of Workplace Standards with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet told workers making those presentations was “the best part of my job.”

“It would not be possible without the employees,” Dimeny said, telling employees safety was part of the culture.

National Office Furniture in Danville received the award for having reached over 500,000 hours without any reportable injuries in a 24-month period. Plant Manager Mike Potter said they had reached over 600,000 hours as of Friday morning.

“It’s not for me. It’s your award,” Potter said. He told employees they had achieved the hours because they “take pride” in the work they do.

Boyle County Judge-executive Harold McKinney, Danville Mayor Mike Perros, Danville City Commissioner Rick Serres and other members of the Kentucky Labor Department were on hand.

“Good for you. I’m delighted. You are setting a standard for Boyle County. Give yourself a hand,” McKinney said to cheering employees.

He told them safety programs were only effective if there was “employee buy-in,” which there was at National Office Furniture.

Perros also thanked the employees for their work.

“You should be proud,” he said.

National Office Furniture builds couches, chairs and other office furnishings. The company launched in 1980. 

The Danville plant was formerly Jackson Chair, which was purchased by National Office in 1999.