Cape Fear organizations and businesses recognized for safety in the workplace

CASTLE HAYNE, NC (WWAY) — Dozens of organizations and businesses throughout the Cape Fear were recognized for safety in the workplace on Wednesday afternoon.

The National Association of Safety Professionals handed out its 2025 safety awards at Cape Fear Community College’s North Campus in Castle Hayne.

Some of the businesses and organizations recognized include Balfour Beatty Construction, Novant Health, and a variety of area towns and cities.

North Carolina Commissioner of Labor Luke Farley spoke at the event.

He said the event is part of the department’s efforts to ensure safety for workers across the region and the state.

“We believe in a carrot and the stick approach at the department,” Farley said. “For those employers who are not following the rules, there’s a citation. But for everybody else who is doing right by their employees and not just meeting the standards, but exceeding them, we want to recognize their excellent efforts.”

Two different departments for New Hanover County were honored for more than 35 consecutive years of excellent workplace safety: the human resources and finance departments.

New Hanover County Safety Officer Franklin Juarez said it’s great seeing various county departments be recognized.

“Departments can maintain their own safety programs and I oversee all of them. And it’s just a good feeling having all of the employees here.”