JOPLIN, MO -- Safety on the job conveys its own reward, but Empire employees received an additional honor to mark a significant safety milestone on Friday, at the company's Joplin Service Center.

Representatives from the National Safety Council of the Ozarks were on hand to make a special presentation in recognition of the achievement of 1 million hours worked without a lost-time injury. The injury-free period stretches over eight months dating back to April 1, 2013. The million-hour mark has been attained only six times in company history. The last time was in July 2004.

"We are very proud to see our employees recognized for their outstanding safety awareness and practices, but our most important reward is seeing each of them return home safely to their families each day," said Brad Beecher, president and CEO of Empire District.