Numerous employees at Louis Dreyfus Commodities in Claypool gathered on Wednesday morning for the company’s annual National Safety Day event. Several vendors and organizations offered information and demonstrations to the gathering.

CLAYPOOL — More than 100 people gathered at Louis Dreyfus Company in southern Kosciusko County on Wednesday morning to discuss various issues concerning safety and procedures at the Claypool commodities exchange company. Most of those in attendance were employees of LDC, although other interested parties also were invited and in attendance. The theme for the event, and indeed LDC’s goal for this year, was “Commitment to Zero 2017.”

Several company executives and leaders from the LDC team offered various presentations to the gathering, providing information on workplace safety statistics, safety improvements at the Claypool facility, demographics of they types of injuries and the work experience of those who suffered them, tips for maintaining a safe work environment and plans for future workplace safety improvements.

A presentation also was offered highlighting the safety records at LDC’s locations throughout the world. It was pointed out that the company spends millions of dollars annually to improve safety at their various sites, and that the budget for safety improvements in Claypool is $560,000 for 2017.

Several employees were specifically thanked for their contributions to improving workplace safety at LDC. Three employees were given individual awards, which were voted upon by their peers, for their specific actions throughout 2016. Awards also were handed out to LDC Claypool’s top contractor and vendor for the past year.

Following the morning presentations, numerous vendors offered informational booths and demonstrations to the gathered group.