FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Wanda Seeney (573) 751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 30, 2007

Artisan Contracting Inc. of Cape Girardeau Recieves Prestigious Honor
Company is Awarded the First Ever Contractor Safety Award

Jefferson City, MO - The national Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor, in alliance with the International Union of Operating Engineers and the International Association of Iron Workers, awarded their first annual Contractor Safety Award to Artisan Contracting Inc., of Cape Girardeau, Mo. 

“I commend Artisan Contracting on receiving this tremendous honor and for their commitment to establishing safe working conditions for their employees,” Gov. Matt Blunt said.

Earlier in the year, MSHA distributed forms to all MSHA-affiliated owners and operators requesting nominations of companies who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to safety. Illinois Cement, an Eagle Materials Company, submitted the winning nomination. 

Artisan Contracting Inc., was general contractor of the Illinois Cement Plant Expansion Project located in LaSalle-Peru, Ill. Work began in late 2005 and continued through December 2006. The scope of work included the erection of a 280 ft. tall pre-heater tower, along with the tie into the existing system. The entire job surpassed 272,000 man-hours with only one lost-time accident. Artisan Contracting Inc., performs contract work in Missouri and Illinois, as well as nationwide.

The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ (DOLIR) Division of Labor Standards has been a provider of “New Miner Training” and “Annual Refresher Training” to Artisan Contracting Inc., their affiliated companies, and the companies for which they perform contract work. The Division also inspects many of the companies involved in the contracted work done by Artisan Contracting Inc.

DOLIR’s Mine and Cave Safety and Health Program trains Missouri miners in implementing safe and healthy working habits in the workplace. This training is federally funded by a grant through the U.S. Department of Labor, MSHA. The training provided is in conjunction with the Federal Mine Act of 1977. The Mine and Cave Safety and Health Section also regularly inspects mines and public caves under Chapter 293, RSMo.

For more information about the Mine and Cave Safety and Health Program, please contact the Department’s Division of Labor Standards at (573) 751-3403 or visit www.dolir.mo.gov/ls/minesafety.

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