January 31, 2007—The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlighted the health and safety accomplishments of seven facilities in recent weeks. Six of the worksites earned new membership in OSHA’s “Star” Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), and one site earned continuing Star membership. The companies and their commended practices are listed below.
- The Entergy Operations Port Allen Service Center of Port Allen, LA, has achieved an injury and illness rate that is 77 percent below the national average for its industry.
- The US Postal Service’s Lakeville, MA, post office was commended for its provision of ergonomic mats, gloves, trays and carts to reduce musculoskeletal hazards; annual safety inspections of mail delivery vehicles; equipping each delivery vehicle with parcel post dollies; and providing carriers with personal protective equipment for extreme weather.
- The US Postal Service’s Acton, MA, post office was commended for its excellent training for safety and health committee members; daily safety walk-throughs; providing employees with cameras to document hazards; and its use of the “Stop” method to prevent injuries.
- Acushnet Company’s Custom Operations plant in New Bedford, MA, renewed its Star membership because of its Six Point Safety and Health Program, which helps the company evaluate its safety and health goals; the Acushnet HealthWise Wellness for Life Program, in which employees earn credits for taking a health risk assessment and participating in a self-improvement program; a new cafeteria with subsidized healthy food choices; and a new 24-hour gym for use by associates and their families.
- The US Postal Service’s Goffstown, NH, post office is the first postal facility in New Hampshire to earn Star membership. The facility was commended for its health and safety record.
- Schick Manufacturing’s Milford, CT, plant entered the VPP as a “Merit” site in 2005, and has now earned Star status, reflecting the mutual commitment of Schick employees and management to maintaining and improving safety and health, says OSHA.
- Sappi Fine Paper North America of Allentown, PA, has earned Star status for the excellence of its safety and health management system, with an injury and illness rate that is 84 percent below the industry average.
For more information visit OSHA’s VPP site.
