UniFirst's Owensboro Earns OSHA's VPP Star Certification and Governor's Health and Safety Award

Rhea-AI Summary

UniFirst Corporation's (NYSE:UNF) Owensboro Distribution and Fulfillment Center has achieved two major safety milestones: OSHA's VPP Star certification and the Governor's Safety and Health Award. The facility earned the Governor's award for the fourth time, recognizing over 1,000,000 hours without a lost time incident. The VPP Star certification, OSHA's highest safety recognition, was awarded following rigorous evaluations and audits.

The facility maintains safety through bi-weekly plant audits and quarterly evaluations across 25 operational areas. Coinciding with these achievements, UniFirst is expanding the Owensboro facility with a 109,000-square-foot project, which will bring the total footprint to nearly half a million square feet.

Positive

• Achieved OSHA's highest safety recognition with VPP Star certification
• Earned Governor's Safety and Health Award for the fourth time (2010, 2020, 2022, 2025)
• Surpassed 1,000,000 hours without a lost time incident
• Expanding facility by 109,000 square feet, demonstrating growth investment

Negative

• None.

WILMINGTON, Mass., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UniFirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF), a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services, proudly announces that its Owensboro Distribution and Fulfillment Center in Kentucky has achieved two major safety milestones. UniFirst has once again received the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and it has also been honored with the prestigious Governor's Safety and Health Award, presented by Gov. Andy Beshear, Kentucky.

The VPP Star certification, OSHA's highest recognition for workplace safety and health practices, is awarded to organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to safety. Additionally, the Governor's Safety and Health Award recognizes workplaces that have exceeded 1,000,000 hours without a lost time incident, showcasing the extraordinary measures taken to foster a positive and effective safety culture.

UniFirst's Owensboro Distribution Center has now earned the esteemed Governor's honor for the fourth time, with previous recognition in 2010, 2020, and 2022, validating UniFirst's commitment to employee safety and operational excellence.

"Our dedicated Team Partners are the reason we've been able to achieve these incredible safety milestones," said Michael Gunter, Safety Engineer, UniFirst–Owensboro. "Success in safety doesn't happen by chance; it's the result of diligent efforts, daily teamwork, and a deep belief in the value of our safety programs. Whether we're tracking hazards, conducting team-led audits, or coming up with innovative safety enhancements, every Team Partner plays a crucial role in ensuring everyone goes home safe."

The VPP certification process is rigorous, involving thorough evaluations and on-site audits conducted by Kentucky OSHA experts, alongside comprehensive employee surveys to verify a strong safety-first culture. Achieving over 1,000,000 hours worked without a lost time incident reflects an adherence to strict safety protocols and a collaborative mindset in maintaining workplace safety. For UniFirst, these honors serve as vital benchmarks of its proactive safety measures and dedication to protecting its workforce. 

"Receiving the Governor's Safety and Health Award for the fourth time proves how deeply ingrained safety is in everything we do," said Kerry Bailey, Human Resource Manager, UniFirst—Owensboro. "It's about creating an environment where every employee feels empowered to prioritize safety. To reach this level of recognition again is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every Owensboro Team Partner."

Dan Getter, Sr. Manager of Safety Operations, UniFirst, added, "Our Team Partners embody the culture of safety we have worked so hard to build. From identifying potential risks to participating in regular audits and reviews, achieving both the VPP Star certification and the Governor's Safety and Health Award is proof that safety is truly a shared responsibility and an intentional daily effort."

The Owensboro facility's commitment to safety includes, ongoing bi-weekly plant audits, quarterly evaluations across 25 operational areas, and direct contributions from Team Partners. These practices have positioned UniFirst as a leader in workplace safety and culture, setting a standard in Kentucky as well as across North America.

These safety achievements coincide with the company's groundbreaking of a 109,000-square-foot expansion project at the Owensboro Distribution Center. The expansion, which will bring the facility's total footprint to nearly half a million square feet, has received recognition and support from Gov. Beshear, further underscoring its importance in the region. Together, these safety honors and infrastructure projects exemplify UniFirst's ongoing investment in its people and operations.

To learn more about the OSHA Voluntary Protection Program and its importance in fostering workplace safety, visit OSHA's VPP website.

For more information about UniFirst Corporation and its award-winning services, visit www.unifirst.com.

About UniFirst
Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF) is a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniform and workwear programs, facility service products, as well as first aid and safety supplies and services. Together with its subsidiaries, the company also manages specialized garment programs for the cleanroom and nuclear industries. In addition to partnering with leading brands, UniFirst manufactures its own branded workwear, protective clothing, and floorcare products at its three company-owned ISO-9001 certified manufacturing facilities. With more than 270 service locations, over 300,000 customer locations, and 16,000-plus employee Team Partners, the Company outfits more than 2 million workers every day. For additional information, contact UniFirst at 888.296.2740 or visit UniFirst.com. Follow UniFirst on Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unifirsts-owensboro-earns-oshas-vpp-star-certification-and-governors-health-and-safety-award-302460345.html

SOURCE UNIFIRST CORPORATION

FAQ

What safety certifications did UniFirst (UNF) receive at its Owensboro facility in 2025?

UniFirst's Owensboro facility received OSHA's VPP Star certification and the Kentucky Governor's Safety and Health Award in 2025.

How many hours without a lost time incident did UniFirst's Owensboro facility achieve?

The facility achieved over 1,000,000 hours without a lost time incident, leading to the Governor's Safety and Health Award.

What expansion plans does UniFirst have for its Owensboro Distribution Center?

UniFirst is adding a 109,000-square-foot expansion to the Owensboro facility, which will bring its total footprint to nearly half a million square feet.

How many times has UniFirst's Owensboro facility won the Kentucky Governor's Safety Award?

The facility has won the Governor's Safety and Health Award four times, in 2010, 2020, 2022, and 2025.

What safety measures does UniFirst implement at its Owensboro facility?

The facility conducts bi-weekly plant audits and quarterly evaluations across 25 operational areas, along with team-led audits and hazard tracking.