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DSU Recognized by Governor Rounds for Safety Record

Madison – Dakota State University was awarded a Workplace Safety Award by Governor Mike Rounds at the 11th annual South Dakota Safety and Health Conference held in Sioux Falls in October. The conference is sponsored by the South Dakota Safety Council, the South Dakota Chiropractor’s Association, and the South Dakota Department of Labor.

DSU was one of nine employers to be recognized in the “outstanding” category and the only higher education institution represented.

From left to right, Dr. Knowlton DSU President, Pat Keating Director of Physical Plant
and Les Polzen supervisor of the custodial staff and grounds keepers

Each day more than 70 South Dakota workers suffer illnesses or injuries that result in worker’s compensation claims, costing South Dakota employers more than $75 million annually. To help employers deal with rising costs, the conference featured sessions on workplace violence, workmen’s compensation claims, OSHA compliance and emerging issues in workplace safety.

This is the third time DSU has been recognized with a Governor’s Safety Award. In 2003 DSU was a meritorious award winner, improving its safety record this year to move up to the outstanding category. Dr. Knowlton presented the award plaque at a campus meeting to Les Polzen, Physical Plant Manager, and Pat Keating, Director of the Physical Plant.