UNC Health Chatham Receives Gold Award from N.C. Department of Labor for Workplace Safety Excellence
UNC Health Chatham has been recognized with a Gold Award in the N.C. Department of Labor Safety Awards Program, presented at the Asheboro Safety Awards Banquet. UNC Health Chatham received the honor as a first-year Gold Award recipient, recognizing the organization’s strong workplace safety performance.
“This recognition reflects the daily commitment of our teammates to maintaining a safe environment for one another and for those we serve,” said Dr. Eric Wolak, chief nursing and chief operating officer for UNC Health Chatham. “We are fortunate to have Krista Maddock, BSN, JD leading our local program. Her guidance combined with our teammates’ attention to safety practices each day helps support both a strong workplace culture and high-quality patient care.”
Gold Awards are presented to employers whose cases involving days away from work, job transfer or restriction are at least 50% below the industry average. The program, administered by the N.C. Department of Labor, is designed to encourage accident prevention and promote safe and healthy workplaces across North Carolina.
“Receiving this award as a first-year honoree is an important milestone for UNC Health Chatham,” said Elaine Marshall, UNC Health’s director of employee health. “It speaks to the culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement that will continue to guide our efforts as we build on this achievement in the years ahead.”
The award underscores UNC Health Chatham’s continued focus on fostering a culture of safety, supporting teammates and strengthening the environment in which patient care is delivered. The Asheboro banquet was part of the 2026 Safety Awards Banquet season hosted across the state by the N.C. Department of Labor.
Pictured above: UNC Health Chatham Employee Health team was recognized for the organization’s strong workplace safety performance with the First Year Gold Award by the NC Department of Labor presented by Commissioner Luke Farley (center) to Elaine Marshall, Krista Maddock, Eric Wolak (pictured left to right).
