Union County Government earned the NC Department of Labor's (NCDOL) Gold Award for excellent workplace safety, along with four Union County departments: Human Services/Social Services, Public Health, Sheriff's Office, and Water. 

N.C. Commissioner of Labor Luke Farley presented these awards to Union County staff during the county's Safety Awards Banquet as part of the NCDOL Safety Awards Program. The banquet was hosted by the Union County Chamber of Commerce at the Union County Agricultural Center on June 25, 2026. The NCDOL Safety Awards Program recognizes employers across the state who show a strong dedication to accident prevention and maintaining a safe, healthy workplace. This is the 11th consecutive year that Union County Government has earned the award, and the 7th consecutive year that Union County Water has earned it. 

"Safety is a shared responsibility that starts with every employee making it a priority each day," said Jeff Morgan, Director of Security Risk Management. "We are proud of the collective effort across Union County departments that helps ensure our teammates return home safely. Our Safety team—Mike Farrar, Risk and Safety Manager, along with Safety Officers Jayme Hargett and Hayden Hunter—plays a critical role in identifying risks, promoting a proactive safety culture, and supporting departments so we can continue raising the bar and earning recognition for our commitment to workplace safety."

The Gold Award is granted to organizations that have recorded no fatalities at their respective locations during the calendar year and maintained a Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) rate at least 50 percent below the average for their industry group. 

“Ensuring a safe workplace is fundamental to taking care of our employees so they can continue providing the essential services our community depends on,” said Assistant County Manager Clayton Voignier. “Earning this recognition for 11 consecutive years reflects a sustained commitment to safety across our organization.”

The awards highlight the efforts taken by employees across the organization and its departments to keep the workplace safe. 

Employees from Union County Water stand with the award.

Risk Manager Christopher Vergara, Chief Deputy-Operations Tony Underwood, Sheriff Eddie Cathey, Chief Deputy-Administration Brian Keziah, Risk & Safety Program Manager Michael Farrar, Security Risk Management Director Jeff Morgan

Public Health Director, Tracy Colley