As we continue to recognize National Safety Month, we’re proud to spotlight two standout teams from Peterson Chemical Technology (PCT). Fort Smith Ayers and Fort Smith – both located in Fort Smith, Arkansas – exemplify our value of putting people first through their dedication to a safe and supportive workplace.
PCT – Fort Smith Ayers reached an incredible milestone of 597 days without a recordable injury, while PCT – Fort Smith has gone an outstanding 856 days injury-free. These achievements reflect the strength of a culture rooted in proactive safety practices and daily accountability.
“Our employees feel comfortable speaking with management at any time about safety concerns or suggestions,” said Cristina Hassell, EHS Supervisor. “We keep the lines of communication open and reinforce the importance of safety in every conversation – whether it’s through our daily meetings, monthly zone audits, or even informal check-ins.”
Both branches are being recognized with achievement certificates, and a special thank-you celebration will be held to honor their dedication. These milestones are more than just numbers – they represent a shared commitment to ensuring that everyone goes home safe every day.
Thank you to the teams at PCT for making safety a core part of your culture!
Team Members from PCT – Fort Smith (top) and PCT – Fort Smith Ayers (bottom) holding safety certificates.
At our Pacoma Ningbo facility in China, employees recently came together to create a Quality and Safety Culture wall – a powerful symbol of their shared commitment to excellence.
Each team member signed the wall, pledging to uphold the highest standards in product quality, meet delivery timelines, and tackle the toughest challenges with passion and confidence.
This initiative reflects how we’re actively strengthening our safety culture in our facilities worldwide – not just through words but through visible, collective action.
As we recognize Safety Month, we are proud of Pacoma Ningbo’s commitment to putting people first and creating a workplace where safety and care are the standard!
At our High Point Furniture Branch in High Point, NC, safety isn’t just a protocol – it’s a culture. Under the leadership of Branch Manager Barry Poole and EHS Manager Bill Covert, the team has made remarkable strides in strengthening safety awareness, reporting processes, and employee engagement, all while living out our company value of putting people first.
Bill Covert and Barry Poole
One standout initiative has been the Environmental Health & Safety Suggestion Incentive Program. Launched in early 2023, the program empowers employees to report hazards and near-misses, recognize unsafe conditions, and suggest improvements – rewarding proactive behavior with monthly and quarterly recognition and incentives. But more than the rewards, it’s built trust. Employees know their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.
By tracking and analyzing incident data, the team identified areas for improvement and acted swiftly. One department reported the most near-misses, not because of more risk, but because of a strong commitment to reporting. This data-driven approach led to targeted “safety stand-downs,” which are focused conversations about stopping unsafe acts and real-time feedback that’s already shifting behaviors.
In just over a year, the results are clear: more reporting, fewer hazards, and a deeper sense of shared responsibility. As Bill said, “Our employees see us putting our money where our mouth is.”
High Point Furniture is setting a powerful example of what it means to care for our people, improve our culture, and ensure everyone goes home safe every day.
Thank you to our colleagues at High Point Furniture for putting people first!
At Elite Comfort Solutions in Verona, Mississippi, safety isn’t just a policy – it’s a core part of the culture. Recently, the team proudly celebrated an outstanding milestone: 365 days without a recordable injury.
ECS Verona credits their success to several key efforts, including strong housekeeping practices, routine safety walks, and a culture of accountability where everyone looks out for one another. Team members actively engage in identifying and reporting near-misses, which are reviewed and analyzed to prevent potential incidents.
“We were happy but cautious when we hit the milestone,” said Brandy Abbott, Regional EHS Manager. “Everyone is excited, but we know staying vigilant is key.”
Employees watching a video during a monthly OSHA training and the ECS – Verona plant floor.
Leaders play a vital role in maintaining diligence and safety success. From recognizing safe behavior on the floor to modeling safe practices, supervisors and managers have created an environment where safety is a shared responsibility.
“A standout example of employee engagement was when a supervisor coached a new forklift driver, reinforcing best practices and building confidence through one-on-one mentoring,” said Brandy.
This safety milestone reflects Verona’s commitment to creating a workplace where team members feel safe, supported, and empowered to prioritize wellbeing.
Congratulations, Verona, on this incredible accomplishment!
Precision Hydraulic Cylinders in Chennai, India, recently hosted National Safety Day, and this year, participation soared to 78%, up from 47% in 2021, thanks to the commitment of our people!
With engaging new initiatives like a PPE fashion show, hazard spot identification, and a firefighting competition, employees take safety to heart while having fun. Participants were also recognized with rewards for their involvement and enthusiasm.
This growing engagement reflects how we’re putting people first and making safety not just a priority, but a core part of our culture.
At L&P, we’re proud to partner with Arka Express – our carrier partner who services many of our U.S. locations.
Recently, Arka Express visited our Corporate office and presented their Golden Road Award to us. This award is “presented to the shipper who epitomizes efficiency and fosters the strongest relationships” within their over-the-road division. We are honored to receive this award for the second year in a row!
While they were with us, Arka Express team members treated our Corporate Logistics team to a pizza lunch.
We are grateful to the Arka Express team and look forward to continuing to build a strong, long-term partnership with them!
Members of our Corporate Logistics team receive the Golden Road Award from Arka Express
At Leggett & Platt Flooring Products in Statesville, North Carolina, safety isn’t just a goal – it’s a way of life. We’re proud to recognize three outstanding drivers – John “Marty” Watters, James “Wesley” Braswell, and Reggie Dunlap – for each reaching a major milestone: driving one million miles with zero accidents.
Reggie, Marty, and Wesley
This remarkable achievement speaks to their skill, commitment, and vigilance on the road every single day. To honor their accomplishment, the team presented them with custom leather jackets and certificates, signifying a job well done.
Each driver reflected on what this milestone meant to them. For Marty Watters, it’s about legacy: “Achieving over one million miles safely gives me the feeling that I’m doing my job just like my dad. He always told me to work hard, do a good job, and be safe. He would be proud.”
Wesley Braswell shared that safe driving is about constant awareness. “It’s keeping a constant scan of your surroundings to be better prepared for the unexpected.” Reggie Dunlap added, “You have to be patient as a truck driver. I believe the regular safety trainings that we receive help us to remember to be focused while on the road. I’m proud of reaching one million miles safely.”
Human Resources and Safety Manager, Portia Knox, and Traffic Manager, Roxanne Butler, echoed these sentiments: “Attaining one million safe miles shows that they are reliable and focused. The quarterly training they receive from Corporate Logistics keeps them updated and knowledgeable of the road rules they adhere to while driving. They always do their jobs with excellence.”
These accomplishments remind us why we prioritize safety at every level of our organization. Putting people first means supporting the wellbeing of our team – whether they’re behind the wheel, on the production floor, or in the office.
Congratulations, Reggie, Marty, and Wesley. Your dedication keeps us all moving forward, safely!
At L&P, we do the right thing when we conduct business with integrity. This week, we’re spotlighting how our Internal Audit team helps us strengthen our reputation for integrity and how they take pride in their work!
Introducing Our Internal Audit Team
L&P’s Internal Audit Team
Our internal auditors develop and execute an annual audit plan that conducts financial and IT audits. They perform a wide range of audits, including location-specific audits, anti-bribery audits, operational audits, risk-based audits, and internal control reviews. They also assist with fraud and Ethics Hotline investigations and proactively consult with and survey employees regarding potential ethical concerns.
“We strive to be value-added business partners that provide independent, objective assurance and advisory support,” says Rachel Krenz, Vice President of Internal Audit and Due Diligence. “We help L&P accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes.”
Taking Pride in Work
We asked members of our Internal Audit team how they take pride in their work:
A job well done is defined by our adherence to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism as we identify risks, provide guidance to enhance processes, and abide by regulations. By collaborating with teams across our global organization, we take pride not only in building strong, trusted relationships but also in achieving measurable improvements that advance L&P’s operations – together. – Kevin Curtis, Senior IT Audit Manager
We take pride in our work by having a shared mission and vision that aligns with L&P’s. We also never settle into routine; instead, we continuously seek ways to improve our skills while being responsible stewards of L&P’s resources. – Kaycia Frieden, Internal Audit Supervisor
We take pride in delivering quality results that reflect the complete picture. We ensure thorough investigations, ask questions, and verify all details to avoid any oversight before documenting an issue. Additionally, we treat everyone with respect, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment. I also find great satisfaction in contributing to the success of my team and L&P. – Kathy Flinn, Internal Audit Supervisor
We take pride in our work by being transparent. As auditors, we know that our presence can be nerve-wracking, so it’s important to keep people in the loop. If we move in silence, we risk our observations being inaccurate and degrading the relationships we build around L&P. Communication is key. – Morgan Pyle, Internal Auditor II
Thank you to our Internal Audit team for all your hard work and for taking pride in what you do!
Recently, a group of L&P employees attended Ooh-La Lafayette, the annual fundraiser for Lafayette House of Joplin, Missouri.
Lafayette House is a center that provides safety and healing to those suffering from domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance abuse disorders. Annually, Lafayette House serves nearly 1,000 residents of Southwest Missouri, over half of whom are seeking refuge from domestic violence.
The night’s theme was “Disco Garden Party,” complete with sequins, flowers, and attire reminiscent of the 70s disco era. Highlights of the evening included watercolor portraits, a photo booth, a silent auction, and a fashion show spotlighting local boutiques. All money raised supports the mission of Lafayette House.
L&P Employees attend Ooh-La Lafayette.
The evening’s client spotlight featured a courageous woman named Jodie. Her journey with Lafayette House began in 2013, immediately after her son’s birth. Recognizing she needed help, she left the hospital and came straight to Lafayette House, calling it her baby’s “first home.” Her path hasn’t been easy, but each step forward has been a testament to her strength. She said, “I knew more than anything, I just had to try.”
Tammy Trent, Senior Vice President/Chief Accounting Officer and Board member of Lafayette House is thankful the House was there to help her when she was ready to take this step:
“While her story is unique, the underlying truth applies to us all. Sometimes, taking the first step and trying can be the hardest part, but if you never try, you never know what you can accomplish.”
Thank you to all of our L&P employees who attended Ooh-La Lafayette and supported the mission of Lafayette House!
At L&P, we recognize our responsibility to be good stewards of the environment and to build sustainable businesses for generations to come.
We know that prioritizing sustainability isn’t just good for business – it’s good for people and our planet. Every day, we strive to advance sustainable solutions for our customers, reduce environmental impacts of our products across their lifecycle, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
To celebrate Earth Month, we’ll be sharing more about Sustainability at L&P in the coming weeks.
