Time off the job costs an employer productivity and employees their wages.

Companies from Richmond, Anson and Montgomery counties who have avoided for accidents that required time off work will be honored by the state at a banquet at Ellerbe Springs Inn starting at 6 p.m. tonight.

North Carolina Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry will be the guest speaker.

“It’s really an honor for me to travel throughout the state and recognize these employers who are making a commitment to their employees’ safety and health,” Berry said. “These employers are helping to make North Carolina workplaces some of the safest in the country.”

Among the Richmond County employers slated to be honored are Total Lubricants, the International Textiles Group, Wade Manufacturing and Piedmont Natural Gas.

The event is co-sponsored by the state Department of Labor and the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce.

Along with Richmond County facilities, plants based in Biscoe, Lilesville, Polkton, Reidsville and Wadesboro are also scheduled to be honored.

The awards honor outstanding on-the-job safety achievements of companies during 2009.

“The safety awards program has been in existence in North Carolina since around 1946, and Richmond County has had a partnership to honor local industries with the North Carolina Department of Labor for several decades,” Richmond County Chamber President Emily Tucker said. “Not only do we honor our industries here in Richmond County, but those from Anson and Montgomery counties, as well.”

She said the Alpha Plastics Division of Georgia-Pacific, located in Richmond County, will be accepting an award for the 29th consecutive year.

“Basically, this is a way to award private firms and public agencies the state for accident prevention and promoting workplace safety,” Tucker continued. “We certainly appreciate our local industries living up to those commitments and keeping their workplaces safe.”

Staff Writer Philip D. Brown can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 32, or by e-mail at pbrown@yourdailyjournal.com.