The North American Meat Institute recognized 135 meat and poultry plants for their achievements in reaching high levels of worker safety performance as the industry continues its effort to reduce occupational injury.

NAMI presented the awards Wednesday during the NAMI Foundation Worker Safety, Labor and Employment Conference at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Thirty-six plants were presented the highest award – the Award of Honor. Fifty-eight plants received the Award of Merit, and 24 were presented with the Award of Commendation. Seventeen plants received the Certificate of Recognition.

“Worker safety progress is one of our industry’s greatest success stories. During the last 20 years, injury and illness rates in the U.S. meat industry have improved by nearly 80 percent,” said Barry Carpenter, NAMI president and CEO. “The rate of injury and illness in the meat and poultry industry continues to fall, and this success represents the commitment to safety performance that is embraced throughout our plants.”

 A full list of this year’s winners can be found here.