Pascor is a careful company

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

Many industries pay thousands of dollars each year in Workers Compensation benefits to employees injured on the job. Their production is often affected by the lengthy recuperation of a worker, especially in smaller companies.
At Pascor Atlantic in Bland, safety is a major issue. Last week the company celebrated four years – 20,000 working days or 160,000 man hours – without a lost time accident.
“This is an impressive accomplishment by our employees,” said W.D. “Bill” Hall, president and general manager of the electrical transformer manufacturer. “It’s not typical for a company to focus on safety but it’s good business. It’s good for the people protecting our assets.”
Production employees were treated to a barbecue dinner and received Wal-Mart gift cards for their safety achievements. They participate each month in an all-employee meeting for an update on the business and recognition of birthdays and anniversaries.
At last week’s session, Bland County Administrator Jonathan D. Sweet presented a framed proclamation from the Bland County Economic Development Authority concerning the company’s safety record. He was accompanied by the authority’s Director David Dillow and Treasurer Linda M. Townley.
“We are very proud of Pascor Atlantic,” Sweet said, “and what you mean to Bland County and your exemplary achievement in employee safety.”
Hall pointed out employees’ suggestions for improving safety are taken seriously. Their ideas, he noted, are often incorporated into workplace procedures.
“We have virtually no turnover,” commented Wilma Faulkner, the plant’s human resources director. “They work 14 hours a day and have a three-day weekend.”
Pascor Atlantic has 33 employees.
Allen Hale has worked at Pascor for 23 years. He was the last employee to have an accident on the job when he mashed his finger with a large pipe.
“I run a lathe and it’s important to emphasize safety,” Hale stated. “We have a lot of training classes. Everybody is real safety conscious.”
Hale’s accident prompted him to suggest a device to hold the pipe in place while he was adding a component to it. The idea was transformed into a reality.
“You have to be continually aware of what you’re doing,” stated Dewayne Hubble, a 19-year veteran of the company. “One time I was operating a tow motor that overheated and blew the cap off. It burned my arm.”
Thelma Lambert works on the assembly line. She has been an employee for 24 years.
“I think being concerned about safety has paid off.”
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 1-800-655-1406 or .