Charlie’s Produce has been honored by the Washington FoodIndustry Association (WFIA) for outstanding workplace safety in 2022 in the large group category.

The WFIA Excellence in Safety Awards (EISA) recognizes member companies that have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to workplace safety.

WFIA President & CEO Tammie Hetrick praised Charlie’s for its ongoing commitment to safety for each employee, starting the first day they are hired.

“Charlie’s Produce has a very thorough safety program, so much so that it is a part of Charlie’s culture. Safety is practiced at all levels from warehouse to leadership,” said Hetrick.

Candidates for the award must be actively enrolled in the association’s retrospective rating program, have an experience modification rating below the industry average, and submit a self-evaluation application with a score of 90 percent or greater before the required deadline. 

A program review is conducted by Employer Resources Northwest and WFIA to ensure candidates can objectively demonstrate the highest standards.  The review includes documentation of prevention strategies such as, employee engagement, annual planning, safety leadership and employee training. 

Employees, supervisors and company leaders are all interviewed as a part of the review process. Throughout the review, documentation and images are collected to objectively verify performance goals have been achieved. Facilities also receive a walk-through inspection.  

Once all reviews are complete, only businesses that demonstrate the highest level of excellence are selected for the EISA honor.

In conjunction with the award, Charlie’s Produce will receive its retrospective rating refund check a month earlier than expected, along with a cash prize, a gold seal of excellence for their website and recognition on the WFIA website.