The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Washington, has recognized Mike Plachy of Northern Metal Recycling, Minneapolis, with its 2020 ISRI Safe Driver of the Year Award for completing 36 verifiable years of safe driving.
“Mike Plachy has over three decades of safe driving experience,” ISRI Senior Safety Director Commodor Hall says. “His track record proves not only Mike’s commitment to safety but also the commitment of his company and coworkers. ISRI is proud to recognize Mike as the 2020 safe driver of the year, and we thank him for his continued commitment to safety in the industry.”
Plachy has been with Northern Metal Recycling (EMR Group) for 22 years. Prior to joining Northern Metal, he drove for companies that were acquired by the company.
“You won’t find a guy more honest, trustworthy, loyal, dedicated, hardworking … the list could go on and on,” says Plachy’s manager, Stephanie Anderson. “He’s always been the No. 1 go-to [person] when you’re stumped on a trucking question or need help with info on an account. He knows this business better than anybody, and even more so, he has such a true passion for what he does and truly cares about the best interest of everyone he works with. … He has been nothing but a five-star employee in all categories, and I just want him to know how proud we are and how honored we feel to have him on our team,” she adds.
ISRI’s Safe Driver of the Year Award, now in its eighth year, recognizes outstanding drivers of commercial vehicles that have driven for at least 20 years without incurring a preventable accident. Nominations for the award can be submitted by ISRI members in good standing. Nominees must be current, full-time employees who have been with their companies for at least 12 consecutive months and whose primary responsibility is to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Nominations must be made by someone familiar with the nominee’s work history, such as manager, safety director, etc., and the nominees must have at least 10 years of verifiable employment as a commercial motor vehicle driver. No more than three drivers may be nominated from the same member company.
Other criteria considered for the award are the driver’s contribution to highway safety (driver trainer), letters of appreciation, deeds of heroism on or off the job and civic and fraternal organizations, ISRI says.
Plachy was presented with the Award during ISRI’s Virtual Awards Ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 21.