North Carolina’s secretary of labor, Cherie Berry, will pay a visit to Mount Airy Friday to honor its achievements in a statewide safety program.

Cherie Berry is scheduled to recognize the city government’s continued participation in the Carolina Star program operated through the N.C. Department of Labor. It includes public and private employers around the state who maintain excellent safety and health programs.

Mount Airy has been involved since 1996 and has been recertified every three years since. On Friday, Berry will present city representatives with its most recent Carolina Star recertification designation.

A ceremony featuring the labor commissioner is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Blackmon Amphitheatre to honor all municipal employees for their dedication and commitment to safety.

Kim Burton, assistant safety coordinator for the city, said Mount Airy’s participation in the Carolina Star program has kept the accident rate low among its 180 employees.

Carolina Star designations recognize entities that are self-sufficient in their ability to control workplace hazards.

“The program goes all the way from management to the employees,” Burton explained. “It’s totally an employee program.”

One of its most effective facets is inter-departmental inspections in which workers of one department inspect that of others, Burton said. Quarterly and annual safety training of employees also is included.

The city of Mount Airy is one of only 11 public-sector entities involved in the Carolina Star program.

John S. Clark Co. of Mount Airy is among the 17 construction firms participating in the Department of Labor safety effort statewide.

Contact Tom Joyce at tjoyce@mtairynews.com or at 719-1924.