DTE Energy received the 2015 American Gas Association's (AGA) Safety Achievement Award for excellence in employee safety.

The award recognizes companies that have the lowest number of injuries and illnesses as measured by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The American Gas Association criteria also require award-winning companies to have lower-than-industry-average injury rates.

"This was achieved through constant collaboration and strong partnerships with our local union leadership," said Mark Stiers, president and chief operating officer, DTE Gas. "Together, we embrace the principle of 200% accountability – that employees are 100% responsible for their own safety and 100% responsible for the safety of those around them, including the public and our customers."

That 200% accountability principle led to a 64% percent decline in recordable injuries from 2014 to 2015, and the number is even lower to date in 2016.

"The men and women who operate America's natural gas delivery systems play a pivotal role in safely and reliably delivering this clean energy source to nearly 69 million customers every day," said AGA President and CEO Dave McCurdy. "Protecting this skilled and valuable workforce is essential as we work to achieve the highest possible level of service for our customers. I applaud DTE Energy and commend them for their strong safety record."