January 5, 2007—The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently highlighted the safety and health achievements of four companies in Louisiana, Ohio, and Massachusetts.
MeadWestvaco Co. in DeRidder, LA, earned membership in OSHA’s Star Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) for achieving excellence in safety and health management. According to OSHA, the company maintained an injury and illness rate that is 16 percent below the national average for their industry.
Entergy Operations Terrebonne Service Center in Houma, LA, also earned Star membership for promoting workplace safety and health. Entergy Operations reportedly maintained an injury and illness rate that is 76 percent below the national average for their industry. The center operates and maintains power lines that provide electricity to both residential and commercial customers in Terrebonne Parish, including the city of Houma.
STERIS Corporation’s Pinecone Biological Operations in Mentor, OH, also gained Star membership, reportedly operating at a safety rate superior to the national average for injuries and illnesses in similar workplaces. The facility employs 55 people and manufactures biological and chemical indicators used to validate sterilization processes for the healthcare and life sciences industries.
BBA Fiberweb’s Griswoldville Plant in Colrain, MA, has been recertified for an additional five-year membership in the Star program, indicating the company’s ongoing commitment to effective safety and health management at this site. The plant’s injury and illness rates remain well below the industry average, says OSHA. Fifty-one employees work at the Griswoldville Plant, which manufactures various medical, hygiene, and personal care textile products.
OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs recognize and promote effective workplace safety and health management. Companies in the VPP reportedly achieve average injury rates 50 percent lower than other companies in their industry. Approximately 1,600 work sites representing more than 200 industries nationwide currently participate in the program.
