December 29, 2003—The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized Eaton Corporation of Kearney, Nebraska, for achieving nine years of excellence in worker health and safety. The company joins an elite corps of fewer than 150 businesses across the nation that have logged nine years or more in OSHA’s prestigious Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), now in its 21st year.
The Eaton Corporation plant, approved for OSHA’s “Star” program in April 1994, employs 714 workers who manufacture engine valves and gears. In addition to an exemplary safety and health program, OSHA’s review team found that the facility had a lost workday injury and illness rate 86 % below the industry national average. OSHA praised Eaton for excellence in worker training and involvement, as well as the application of appropriate resources, and commended top-level management for its close participation in the company’s safety and health program, saying it has been a key to its effectiveness.
Approximately 1,000 work sites participate in VPP in the US. According to OSHA, VPP workplaces have shown that safety and health are effective investments. VPP sites reportedly experience fewer employee injuries and illnesses, reduced workers’ compensation costs, improved productivity, improved employee morale, and recognition in the community. For more information visit VPP.
