AUSTIN, Texas, May 1 -- The Texas Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) recognized Detex Corporation of New Braunfels and James Avery Craftsman, Inc. of Kerrville with the Peer Review Safety Program Award for exemplary occupational safety and health programs on April 12 at the 16th Annual Safety and Health Conference, the Texas Safety Summit, in Austin.

Detex Corporation manufactures life safety and security hardware for entry and exit doors. Their products include quick exit "panic" release bars, exit door alarms, integrated security systems for access control, and guard tour verification systems. A seven-time recipient of this award, Detex Corporation has created an outstanding safety culture that fosters high quality and active participation in the safety program at all levels of its 100 employees. According to their application for the Peer Review Safety Program Award, over the past three years, Detex Corporation has maintained exceptionally low injury and illness rates well below national averages for their industry and sustained no employee injuries that resulted in lost work days, restricted duties or job transfers. The company is also a current recipient of the TDI-DWC Occupational Safety and Health Consultation (OSHCON) program's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).

James Avery Craftsman, Inc. manufactures jewelry at locations in Kerrville, Hondo, and Fredericksburg, and sells their products at retail stores throughout Texas. A three-time recipient of this award, James Avery Craftsman, Inc. has created an excellent safety culture with a top-to-bottom commitment to maintaining the safest possible workplaces for its 1,500 employees. According to their application for the Peer Review Safety Program Award, the employer's safety commitment and culture has been exhibited in injury and illness rates well below the national averages for their industry over the past three years.

The TDI-DWC Peer Review Safety Program recognizes Texas employers that have comprehensive safety programs. Once approved, these programs can serve as models or standards of comparison for employers developing or reviewing their own workplace safety programs. Companies are nominated or can self-nominate, and may qualify for the award by having proven safety programs in place and injury and illness incidence rates below the national averages for their industries. For more information about the Peer Review Safety Program, visit the TDI website at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/wc/safety/index.html or call 512-804-4610.

For more information contact: Public.Information@tdi.state.tx.us

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