A. In order to establish a public employee benefit program to encourage safety in the workplace, the Department of Corrections is hereby directed to establish an on-the-job employee safety program which encourages work unit safety and reduces lost productivity and compensation costs. In order to promote job safety in work units and provide recognition for work units with exceptional or improving safety records, the Department of Corrections is authorized to expend from monies available in the Department of Corrections operating funds so much thereof as may be necessary for the purchase of recognition awards for presentation to the members of work units or individual employees with exceptional or improving safety records or for other significant contributions to achievement of safety-related goals. Recognition awards shall consist of distinctive wearing apparel, service pins, or U.S. Savings Bonds, the value of which shall not exceed One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per employee, which recognize the safety achievement of the work unit or individual employees.

B. In order to establish a public employee benefit program to encourage outstanding performance in the workplace, the Department of Corrections is hereby directed to establish an on-the-job employee performance recognition program which encourages outstanding job performance and productivity. In order to promote excellence in job performance and provide recognition for work units with exceptional performance, the Department of Corrections is authorized to expend from monies available in the Department of Corrections operating funds so much thereof as may be necessary for the purchase of recognition awards for presentation to the members of work units or individual employees with exceptional job performance records or for other significant contributions to the operation of the Department. Recognition awards shall consist of distinctive wearing apparel, service pins, or U.S. Savings Bonds, the value of which shall not exceed One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per employee, which recognize the achievement of the work unit or individual employees.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 120, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1998. Amended by Laws 1999, c. 38, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999.