The Association of Washington Business recently awarded Valley Medical Center’s Safety Team a “Better Workplace Award” for demonstrating outstanding results during 2008.

The AWB awards honor member businesses that go the extra mile in providing a family friendly work environment, promoting safety and enabling employees to achieve their best. The awards also honor member companies that demonstrate innovation in the areas of workplace safety, job training and advancement, and benefit and compensation programs.

During 2008 the VMC Safety Team decreased workers’ compensation injuries to half what they were in 2007. The team was also recognized for safe patient handling techniques and successful return-to-work strategies.

The Lift Team was congratulated for implementing portable lifts and patient handling devices, developing a well-defined Safe Patient Handling program and implementing a comprehensive training program.