Dalton, Ga. – October 9, 2009- Shaw Industries Group, Inc. has been selected as the winner of the Director’s Award for safety from the Georgia Department of Labor and the Advisory Board of the Georgia Safety, Health, and Environmental Conference. Notification of the award came from the office of Michael Thurmond, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. The Director’s Award is one of the highest and most prestigious safety awards presented by the Georgia Department of Labor.

Applications for the award were sent to an advisory council without identification of the companies making the submissions. Company data and a description of safety processes were sent with the application, but the advisory panel choosing the winners had no knowledge of the companies involved.

The letter from the commissioner’s office commended Shaw’s management and workforce on winning and added, “During this time of economic hardship, it reflects well on all of you that you were able to maintain high standards and a quality work environment.”

“The safety and well being of our associates is a central component of Shaw’s commitment to sustainability,” says Hal Long, the company’s executive vice president of operations. “We’re proud that this award recognizes our efforts.”

Rick Ramirez, Shaw’s vice president of sustainability and environmental affairs, said, “We are very pleased that our focus on employee safety has been recognized with this award. At the same time, we won’t be completely satisfied until we reach our goal of zero injuries.”