Ammonia technicians receive awards from U.S. pork processor

Smithfield Foods, based in the U.S. state of Virginia, gave safety awards to two of its ammonia refrigeration technicians yesterday (2 April). Smithfield’s is the world's largest pork processor and hog producer.  

Joaquin Garcia and John Dang, ammonia refrigeration technicians for Smithfield’s Crete, Nebraska facility, were honoured with ‘Outstanding Safety Innovation Awards’ for creating an ammonia valve training station.

“Our people are our most important asset, and their efforts consistently better our safety performance,” said Gary Walters, senior director of corporate safety for Smithfield Foods. “We are incredibly proud of these individuals and locations for their exceptional safety efforts, successful records, and for reinforcing our company’s culture of workplace safety in all aspects of our operations. 

The new ammonia station shows how technology works without impacting production.

Bryn Jensson, safety manager for Smithfield Hog Production, Midwest, was also named the ‘2019 Safety Professional of the Year’ for reducing workplace injuries.

“We have seen dramatic worker safety improvements across our company in recent years,” said Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer for Smithfield Foods.

Other facilities and Smithfield employees received Worker Safety Awards, including Safety Professional of the Year and Outstanding Safety Innovation. A President’s Award and President’s Circle Awards also featured.