Evonik’s Hopewell, Va., Plant Achieves Remarkable Safety Milestone

Evonik’s Nutrition & Care site in Hopewell, Va., today completed more than five million hours without a Lost Time Accident (LTA), a work-related injury or illness resulting in a day away from work.

“By working more than five million hours without a Lost Time Accident – more than 10 years - our employees in Hopewell have demonstrated that safety continues to be a primary focus in their day-to-day activities,” said Dr. Reiner Beste, chairman of the Management Board, Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH. “It is very satisfying to know that our employees embrace and commit themselves to making their workplace the safest they can be.”

The exceptional safety achievement was commemorated at the Randolph Road site with a luncheon today including dignitaries from Evonik’s Corporate Office in Essen, Germany.

David DelGuercio, senior vice president and general manager, Nutrition & Care, North America, said the Hopewell site’s significant milestone is a testament to Evonik employees in Hopewell’s focused commitment to the company’s keystone value, safety.

”An injury-free workplace is a top priority for us and 10 years without a lost time injury is an extremely meaningful accomplishment,” said DelGuercio. “Evonik employee’s steadfast commitment to ensuring everyone goes home each day to their family and friends has been the key. All our employees have done a fantastic job in reaching this milestone.”

Safety is everyone’s responsibility, added Phil Munson, Hopewell site manager. “Our employee’s commitment to safety is reflected in their passion and attention to incorporating safety as a priority in every activity,“ he said. “Our employees take ownership for their safety, while ensuring the well-being of their co-workers. We communicate openly and take deliberate action to maintain the highest level of safety performance.”

Team work, engagement, and dedication provided the momentum for Hopewell to continuously improve and realize this noteworthy milestone. “Evonik employees at Hopewell believe that taking responsibility for safety is a core value and is the pathway to a high performing safety culture,” said Russell B. Mait, director, Environmental Health Safety & Quality, Nutrition & Care Americas. “We are very proud of our Hopewell team.”

Evonik’s Hopewell operations, which employ about 105 people, produces a variety of ingredients used to make well-known consumer offerings such as cosmetics, shampoos, car care products, polishes and additives for polyurethane foams in addition to industrial products used in agriculture, coatings, and metalworking.

Evonik’s Hopewell plant, participates in the American Chemistry Council‘s Responsible Care program and is certified to the RC 14001 standards and practices in environmental, health, safety, security, product safety and process safety management.

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