Firestone Airide plant earns safety recognition

DYERSBURG, Tenn.—Earlier this month, Firestone's air springs products got a new name, and plans to go to market under Firestone Airide.

Now, the Airide manufacturing operations have another gold "STAR" to add to its repertoire.

Bridgestone North America Inc.'s Firestone Airide air springs plant in Dyersburg, Tenn., earned its fourth Volunteer STAR (Safety Through Accountability and Recognition)—Tennessee's highest honor for workplace health and safety.

The award takes its performance metrics from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program.

"This Volunteer STAR award reflects the Dyersburg teammates' commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment and is an excellent example of Firestone's culture of safety," Firestone Airide President Justin Monaghan said in a statement. "Congratulations to all teammates in achieving this award for a fourth time as it is a true testament to your diligence and how you embrace health and safety as top priorities."

Only 33 sites throughout Tennessee have earned the Volunteer STAR designation, according to Firestone.

"We set the bar very high for this award, and Firestone rose to the challenge and not only met but exceeded TOSHA's high standards for workplace safety in Tennessee," Dewayne Scott, Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development deputy commissioner, said in a statement. "It takes a tremendous amount of effort and determination from everyone at the facility to create and maintain a safe and healthy workplace at this level."

Firestone's Dyersburg facility employs 125.

Nashville, Tenn-based Firestone Airide is a division of Firestone Industrial Products. For more than 80 years, Firestone has focused on the design and manufacture of air springs and related products to manage and eliminate vibration across the automotive, heavy-duty, and off-highway segments.