Harsco celebrates safety milestone

Harsco Metals and Minerals celebrated a safety milestone Thursday after achieving 10 years without a lost time accident, making the company one of only two Harsco sites in the country to achieve this.

The company, which does mill service and scrap reclamation for Nucor-Yamato Steel, hit 1.22 million man hours without severe injury on Oct. 3. Site manager Jonathan Whitsell said that of the 81 Harsco sites in the United States only two, including the one here in Blytheville, have reached such a momentous safety record.

"I'm really proud of all these guys here," Whitsell said, "They come in everyday knowing that safety is the No. 1 priority."

The celebration included a meal, door prizes and special gifts for each of the employees.

Chad Utermark, Nucor-Yamato Steel vice president and general manager, told Harsco employees that they should be proud of themselves for having such a great safety record and that he appreciates all the hard work each crew member does.

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com