Author Archives: Virginia Department of Labor and Industry

United Airlines, Inc. has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- United Airlines, Inc. in Dulles, VA, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

United Airlines Airport Operations at Dulles International Airport is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition.

United Airlines Airport Operations at Dulles is an "above the wing" (ATW) customer service and "below the wing" (BTW) ramp, baggage handling, and aircraft fueling operation. Daily there are approximately 36 international flights and 180 domestic flights that originate or connect at the Dulles United hub. The fleet of aircraft range from intercontinental wide-bodied jets for international destinations to smaller commuter jet airplanes for domestic commuter service.

Currently, this site has approximately 1,713 full-time employees (121 salaried/1592 hourly) with approximately 1,063 contract workers. Employees are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Capital Air Lodge 1759.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs. For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high-hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh-programs/consultation/on-site-visit-request/

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/

United Airlines, Inc. in Dulles, VA, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). United Airlines Airport Operations at Dulles International Airport is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Tenaska Virginia Generating Station has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Tenaska Virginia Generating Station in Scottsville, VA, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Tenaska Virginia Generating Station is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition in Virginia. The 1,000-megawatt power plant commenced commercial production of electricity in 2004 and is a combined cycle fossil fuel electricity generation power plant utilizing three GE 7FA Gas Turbines and one GE D11 Steam Turbine located on 559 acres with 39 acres developed that is continuously operated with a total of 29 employees.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs. For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high-hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh-programs/consultation/on-site-visit-request/

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/

Tenaska Virginia Generating Station in Scottsville, VA, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). Tenaska Virginia Generating Station is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition in Virginia.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

International Paper-Richmond Container has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- International Paper-Richmond Container in Richmond, VA, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

International Paper-Richmond Container is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition in Virginia. There are 110 employees with the hourly employees being represented by the United Steelworkers Union Local 08-694. The 200,000-square-foot facility currently manufactures single, double, and triple-walled corrugated "bulk" boxes used in a variety of agricultural, chemical, and dry goods industries.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs. For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high-hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh-programs/consultation/on-site-visit-request/

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/

International Paper-Richmond Container in Richmond, VA, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). International Paper-Richmond Container is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition in Virginia.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Huber Engineered Woods, LLC., has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Huber Engineered Woods, LLC., in Crystal Hill, Virginia has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). This is the site's 4th recertification since originally being certified on July 13, 2006.

Huber Engineered Woods, LLC., in Crystal Hill, Virginia is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition. The site produces Oriented Strand Board (OSB) in various thicknesses and product lines. The major operations at this site include timber receiving, resin receiving and storage, debarking, flaking, flake drying, screening, resin, flake blending, mat-forming, board pressing, trimming, grading, sanding, packaging, and loading for outbound shipment. Currently, there are approximately 157 full-time employees (37 salaried/120 hourly) at this site with 3 contract workers. The facility is sited on 978 acres and began production in 1995.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs. For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

Huber Engineered Woods, LLC., in Crystal Hill, Virginia has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). This is the site's 4th recertification since originally being certified on July 13, 2006.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Engineering Development Laboratory, Inc. Receives the Virginia ‘Sharp’ Designation Under the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner Gary G. Pan announced today that the Engineering Development Laboratory, Inc. (EDLI) in Newport News, Virginia, has been certified as a Virginia SHARP Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems for small businesses.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of Engineering Development Laboratory, Inc. employees and management. I commend EDLI for embracing the cooperative spirit of SHARP, and congratulate them on their hard earned certification as a Virginia SHARP Worksite," said Commissioner Pan.

Engineering Development Laboratory, Inc.'s commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its low injury and illness rates. The Ashland facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 0.0 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 1.2, representing a TCIR rate 100% lower than the national average for the industry. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is 0.0, compared with the 0.6 national rate, which is 100% below the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving Virginia SHARP status, the worksite is entitled to fly the Virginia "SHARP Worksite" flag. The process for reaching Virginia SHARP status is extensive to ensure that only the very best companies qualify. Currently, there are only 12 Virginia SHARP sites in the state. Engineering Development Laboratory, Inc site has set a standard of excellence that is second to none. They have participated in SHARP since 1998 and have not had a recordable incident in ten years.

Virginia businesses that participate in SHARP substantially improve safety and health protection for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. SHARP worksites regularly report decreased bottom-line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of approximately 50% below the respective industry average) and improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private-sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high-hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh-programs/consultation/on-site-visit-request/

Commissioner Gary G. Pan announced today that the Engineering Development Laboratory, Inc. (EDLI) in Newport News, Virginia, has been certified as a Virginia SHARP Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems for small businesses.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Innovative Refrigeration Systems Receives The Virginia ‘Sharp’ Designation Under The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner Gary G. Pan announced today that the Innovative Refrigeration Systems in Lyndhurst, Virginia, has been certified as a Virginia SHARP Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems for small businesses.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of Innovative Refrigeration Systems employees and management. I commend Innovative Refrigeration Systems for embracing the cooperative spirit of SHARP, and congratulate them on their hard earned certification as a Virginia SHARP Worksite," said Commissioner Pan.

Innovative Refrigeration Systems' commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its low injury and illness rates. The Lyndhurst facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 1.46 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 2.7, representing a TCIR rate 46% lower than the national average for the industry. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is 0.36, compared with the 1.5 national rate, which is 76% below the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving Virginia SHARP status, the worksite is entitled to fly the Virginia "SHARP Worksite" flag. The process for reaching Virginia SHARP status is extensive to ensure that only the very best companies qualify. Currently, there are only 12 Virginia SHARP sites in the state. Innovative Refrigeration Systems site has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

Virginia businesses that participate in SHARP substantially improve safety and health protection for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. SHARP worksites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of approximately 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs.

Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/ or by contacting Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707, or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources. Learn more: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/.

Commissioner Gary G. Pan announced today that the Innovative Refrigeration Systems in Lyndhurst, Virginia, has been certified as a Virginia SHARP Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems for small businesses.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Cintas Location #391 reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Cintas Corporation Location #391 (Portsmouth, Va.) is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition in Virginia. This facility provides uniform programs and provides facility services such as; entrance mats, restroom cleaning, and restroom supplies for businesses in the greater Hampton Roads area. 141 employees work at a 100,000-square-foot facility that began production under the Cintas name in 2002.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs.

For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources. Learn more: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Cintas Corporation Location #391 (Portsmouth, Va.) is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition in Virginia. This facility provides uniform programs and provides facility services such as; entrance mats, restroom cleaning, and restroom supplies for businesses in the greater Hampton Roads area.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

VOSH Increases efforts to help employers prevent workplace fatalities

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is enhancing its efforts to protect workers and reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the state after a sudden rise in workplace deaths.

These efforts will address hazardous conditions that workers continuously face every day. Through coordinated outreach, education efforts and on-site inspections, VOSH is determined to identify hazardous workplace conditions and hold industry employers accountable for providing a safe and healthful workplace free from injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

So far in 2022, the agency has investigated 30 workplace fatalities, an alarming increase over years past. To help combat a further rise in these deaths, employers are encouraged to take advantage of the agency's free Consultation Services. These services are state/federally grant funded so there is no cost to the employer.

Employers who make use of these services can better understand and comply with the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) standards. Consultation services can provide employers with the ability to identify and correct potential safety and health hazards in the workplace, reduce workplace injuries and illnesses, reduce worker's compensation costs, and strengthen your workplace safety and health program.

For more information, please visit https://www.doli.virginia.gov/ or call 1-804-371-2327.

The Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is enhancing its efforts to protect workers and reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the state after a sudden rise in workplace deaths.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Virginia Department of Labor and Industry recognizes Lockheed Martin for exceptional safety and health practices

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems in Manassas, Virginia has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Lockheed Martin's Manassas facility is one of 37 STAR public and private sector worksites recognized by VOSH. The company is primarily engaged in the development of limited production and prototype sensors, navigation, and surveillance hardware and software for defense and security agencies. There are 1,241 full-time employees at the 1,200,000 square feet workspace located on a 176-acre site. This site is the only Lockheed Martin VPP STAR worksite in Virginia and one of five Lockheed Martin VPP STAR participants in the nation.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs. For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

Learn more at: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems in Manassas, Virginia has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

BC Wood Products in Ashland Receives Virginia SHARP Designation Under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner Gary G. Pan announced today that the BC Wood Products in Ashland, Virginia, has been certified as a Virginia SHARP Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems for small businesses.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of BC Wood Products employees and management. I commend BC Wood Products for embracing the cooperative spirit of the SHARP program, and congratulate them on their hard-earned certification as a Virginia SHARP Worksite," said Commissioner Pan.

BC Wood Products commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its low injury and illness rates. The Ashland facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 1.5 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 5.1, representing a TCIR rate 71% lower than the national average for the industry. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is .9, compared with the 3.5 national rate, which is 72% below the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving Virginia SHARP status, the worksite is entitled to fly the Virginia "SHARP Worksite" flag. The process for reaching Virginia SHARP status is extensive to ensure that only the very best companies qualify. Currently, there are only 14 Virginia SHARP sites in the state. BC Wood Products site has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

Virginia businesses that participate in SHARP substantially improve safety and health protection for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. SHARP worksites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of approximately 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

1. Virginia STAR is a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees that include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Participating employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

2. Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training) is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

3. Virginia BUILT is a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia (ABCVA) and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The Virginia BUILT program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation in Virginia BUILT.

4. Virginia CHALLENGE is a formal three stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

5. VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare a site to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or contact Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or Milford.Stern@doli.virginia.gov.

6. The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or by contacting Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707, or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

Commissioner Gary G. Pan announced today that the BC Wood Products in Ashland, Virginia, has been certified as a Virginia SHARP Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems for small businesses.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Raytheon Chesapeake Depot reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Raytheon Chesapeake Depot in Chesapeake, Virginia has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Raytheon Chesapeake Depot is one of 37 STAR public and private sector worksites recognized by VOSH. This facility provides electronic overhaul and repair services for the AEGIS missile defense system. There are 123 full-time employees in two buildings with approximately 50,000 square feet of workspace and warehousing. This site is one of two Raytheon VPP STAR worksites in Virginia and one of 79 Raytheon VPP STAR worksites in the nation.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the .Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs.

For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/.

Raytheon Chesapeake Depot in Chesapeake, Virginia has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Hitachi Energy in Bland, Virginia, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Hitachi Energy in Bland, Virginia has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their first Certificate of Recognition issued on March 12, 2011.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of Hitachi Energy's management and employees", said Commissioner Davenport. "I commend the Hitach Energy facility in Bland, Virginia, for embracing the cooperative spirit of VPP, and congratulate them on their hard earned recertification as a Virginia STAR Worksite."

Hitachi Energy's site in Bland, Virginia is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public and private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition. This facility manufactures custom designed dry-type transformers for commercial, industrial, utility, and military electrical power systems. 336 employees work at the 120,000 square foot facility that began production in 1973 and a recently completed an expansion project that added 40 jobs to the workforce.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs.

For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

As part of the recognition for achieving STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the VPP "STAR Worksite" flag. VPP includes two levels of participation, Merit and STAR, with STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs are conducted in other states across the country.

The process for reaching STAR status is extensive to ensure that only the very best programs qualify. Since the inception of Virginia's VPP in 1996, only 72 STAR worksites have been recognized, and only 35 Virginia companies currently retain the STAR/MERIT designation. Toray Plastics (America), Inc. has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

In Virginia VPP, a cooperative relationship is formed between the VOSH program, the employer, and employees which include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

Businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and health protection for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. VPP STAR sites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of over 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity, and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's

economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

1. Virginia STAR is a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees that include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Participating employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

2. Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training) is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

3. Virginia BUILT is a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia (ABCVA) and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The Virginia BUILT program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation in Virginia BUILT.

4. Virginia CHALLENGE is a formal three stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

5. VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare a site to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or contact Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or Milford.Stern@doli.virginia.gov.

6. The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs.

Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/ or by contacting Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707, or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Hitachi Energy in Bland, Virginia has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their first Certificate of Recognition issued on March 12, 2011.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Toray Plastics in Front Royal, Virginia Receives Its Fourth ‘Star’ Designation Under The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Voluntary Protection Program

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Toray Plastics (America), Inc. in Front Royal, Virginia, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their first Certificate of Recognition issued on January 28, 2005.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of Toray Plastics management and employees", said Commissioner Davenport. "I commend the Toray Plastics facility in Front Royal, Virginia, for embracing the cooperative spirit of VPP, and congratulate them on their hard earned recertification as a Virginia STAR Worksite."

The Toray Plastics (America), Inc, commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its very low injury and illness rates. The Front Royal facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 0.64 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 3.0 for this industry, representing a TCIR rate 79% lower than the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the VPP "STAR Worksite" flag. VPP includes two levels of participation, Merit and STAR, with STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs are conducted in other states across the country.

The process for reaching STAR status is extensive to ensure that only the very best programs qualify. Since the inception of Virginia's VPP in 1996, only 72 STAR worksites have been recognized, and only 35 Virginia companies currently retain the STAR/MERIT designation. Toray Plastics (America), Inc. has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

In Virginia VPP, a cooperative relationship is formed between the VOSH program, the employer, and employees which include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

Businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and health protection for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. VPP STAR sites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of over 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity, and employee morale.

Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

- Virginia STAR is a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees that include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Participating employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

- Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training) is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

- Virginia BUILT is a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia (ABCVA) and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The Virginia BUILT program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation in Virginia BUILT.

- Virginia CHALLENGE is a formal three stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

- VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare a site to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or contact Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or Milford.Stern@doli.virginia.gov.

- The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs.

Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/ or by contacting Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707, or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Toray Plastics (America), Inc. in Front Royal, Virginia, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their first Certificate of Recognition issued on January 28, 2005.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Cargill Turkey Production Recertified As VPP Star Site

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Cargill Turkey Production, LLC Harrisonburg Feed Mill in Harrisonburg, Virginia, has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

The Cargill Turkey Production, LLC Harrisonburg Feed Mill is one of 36 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition. In 2004, the Cargill Harrisonburg Feed Mill was the first feed mill in the United States to be recognized as a VPP STAR site. The site has 25 employees and is part of Cargill's integrated poultry production operations in Virginia and West Virginia. The feed mill produces on average, 7,200 tons a week and 350,000 tons a year of bulk turkey feed for Cargill contracted turkey growers as well as chicken feed for growers filling contracts with George's Poultry Growing operations in the Shenandoah Valley.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers.

The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs.

For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

The Cargill Turkey Production, LLC Harrisonburg Feed Mill in Harrisonburg, Virginia, has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

2021 VOSH Voluntary Protection Programs

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Emerson Machine Automation Solution in Charlottesville, Virginia, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Emerson Machine Automation Solution is one of 36 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition. Emerson employees design and build electronic control devices for a wide range of automating processes for paper mills, steel mills, power generation, mining, refining, large material handling, and propulsion of marine vessels. The Charlottesville facility was built in 1980 and operated by General Electric Company (GE) until Emerson Electric Company purchased the site in 2019. The main plant is comprised of 395,000 square feet. Currently, there are 326 full-time employees at this site with an average of 17 contract workers.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs.

For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

Emerson Machine Automation Solution in Charlottesville, Virginia, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Virginia Minimum Wage Set to Increase

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Beginning May 1, 2021, the minimum wage for workers in Virginia will increase to $9.50 per hour. Additionally, some jobs previously exempt from the minimum wage are no longer exempt (e.g., domestic workers), the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry announced today. Please also be aware that, in contrast to the federal law, Virginia does not factor in the size of a business when deciding whether an employer is required to pay the minimum wage.

The Department of Labor and Industry has prepared some materials to assist both workers and employers in the Commonwealth to understand this new change. For a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please visit our website, http://www.doli.virginia.gov/.

Any employee who believes they are not being paid the minimum wage in violation of the law after May 1, 2021, should submit a claim form for unpaid wages. Claim forms are available at http://www.doli.virginia.gov/.

Please review the statutory exemptions listed here if you want to know if a job or business is exempt from the minimum wage: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title40.1/chapter3/section40.1-28.9/

Should you have any additional questions about the Virginia Minimum Wage Act, or any other labor and employment law related questions, please contact the Department of Labor and Industry at laborlaw@doli.virginia.gov, or by phone at (804) 371-237.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Wendy H. Inge
Labor & Employment Law Director
(804)786-3224
wendy.inge@doli.virginia.gov

Beginning May 1, 2021, the minimum wage for workers in Virginia will increase to $9.50 per hour. Additionally, some jobs previously exempt from the minimum wage are no longer exempt (e.g., domestic workers), the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry announced today.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Printpack Williamsburg Receives the Virginia ‘Star’ Designation Under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) Voluntary Protection Programs

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Printpack in Williamsburg, Virginia, has been approved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of Printpack Williamsburg employees and management. I commend Printpack for embracing the cooperative spirit of VPP, and congratulate them on their hard-earned certification as a Virginia STAR Worksite," said Commissioner Davenport.

Printpack's commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its low injury and illness rates. The Williamsburg facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 1.31 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 3.8, representing a TCIR rate 66% lower than the national average for the industry. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is 0.49, compared with the 2.3 national rate, which is 79% below the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving Virginia STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the Virginia "STAR Worksite" flag. The Printpack facility is the only STAR Worksite in Virginia and is one of six Printpack VPP STAR sites currently in the United States. VPP includes two levels of participation, Merit and STAR, with Virginia STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs are conducted in other states across the country.

The process for reaching Virginia STAR status is extensive to ensure that only the very best companies qualify. Since the inception of Virginia STAR in 1996, only 73 STAR worksites have been recognized, and only 36 Virginia companies currently retain the STAR designation. Printpack's site has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

In Virginia VPP, a cooperative relationship is formed between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees which include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

Virginia businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and health protections for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. VPP STAR sites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of approximately 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

- Virginia STAR is a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees that include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Participating employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

- Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training) is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

- Virginia BUILT is a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia (ABCVA) and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The Virginia BUILT program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation in Virginia BUILT.

- Virginia CHALLENGE is a formal three-stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

- VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare a site to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or contact Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or milford.stern@doli.virginia.gov.

- The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or by contacting Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707, or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

MEDIA CONTACT

Jennifer Rose

VOSH Cooperative Program Director

804-786-7776

jennifer.rose@doli.virginia.gov

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Printpack in Williamsburg, Virginia, has been approved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

International Paper Company – Richmond Container in Richmond, VA Receives Their Sixth ‘Star’ Designation Under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Voluntary Protection Program

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that the International Paper Company - Richmond Container in Richmond, Virginia, has been re-approved as a STAR Worksite under Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their sixth Certificate of Recognition issued on 11/30/2020.

"The management and employees of this facility have exemplified true leadership in the area of occupational safety and health, and I commend them for embracing the cooperative spirit of VPP," said Commissioner Davenport. "I congratulate International Paper Company-Richmond Container on the occasion of their recertification as a VPP STAR Worksite."

International Paper Company's commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its very low injury and illness rates. The facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 2.2 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 2.5 for this industry, representing a TCIR rate 12% lower than the national average for the industry. The DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is 0.3, compared with the 0.7 national rate, which is 57% below the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the VPP "STAR Worksite" flag. The site is the only VPP STAR site in Virginia and currently one of 49 for International Paper Company in the United States. VPP includes two levels of participation, Merit and STAR, with STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs are conducted in other states across the country.

The process for reaching STAR status is very extensive. Since the inception of VPP in 1996, only 68 STAR worksites have been recognized, and only 37 Virginia companies currently retain the STAR/Merit designation. International Paper Company has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

In Virginia VPP STAR, a cooperative relationship is formed between the VOSH program, the employer, and employees which include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Participation in the program is voluntary and involves employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an application, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

Businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and health protections for employees. VPP STAR sites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with reduced injury and illness rates and improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

- Virginia STAR is a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees that include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Participating employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

- Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training) is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

- Virginia BUILT is a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia (ABCVA) and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The Virginia BUILT program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation in Virginia BUILT.

- Virginia CHALLENGE is a formal three stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

- VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare a site to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or contact Milford Stern, VPP Manager, (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or Milford.Stern@doli.virginia.gov.

- The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. These services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys, abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/ or Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, (804) 786-8707, or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that the International Paper Company - Richmond Container in Richmond, Virginia, has been re-approved as a STAR Worksite under Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their sixth Certificate of Recognition issued on 11/30/2020.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Dominion Energy – Surry Power Station in Surry, Va. Receives Their Fourth ‘Virginia Star’ Designation Under the Department of Labor and Industry’s Voluntary Protection Program

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Dominion Energy Surry Power Station in Surry, Virginia, has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was approved on November 23, 2020 with their third recertification since originally being certified on April 13, 2005.

"I am very proud of the Dominion Energy Surry Power Station for embodying the VPP commitment to safety and health, day in and day out, as they strive to make Virginia a better and safer place to work and live," said Commissioner Davenport. "I congratulate Dominion Energy Surry Power Station in Surry, Virginia, on the occasion of their recertification as a Virginia STAR Worksite."

The Surry Power Station's commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its very low injury and illness rates. The worksite has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 0.17 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 0.20. This represents a TCIR rate that is 15% lower than the national average. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is 0.03, compared with the 0.10 national rate, which is 66% below the national average.

As part of the recognition for achieving STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the "Virginia STAR" worksite flag. The Surry Power Station is the second VPP STAR site in Virginia and one of three VPP STAR sites in the United States. VPP includes two levels of participation, Merit and STAR, with STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs are conducted in other states across the country.

The process for reaching Virginia STAR status is extensive ensuring that the very best programs qualify. Since the inception of Virginia's VPP in 1996, only 72 Virginia STAR worksites have been recognized, and only 35 Virginia companies currently retain the Virginia STAR designation. The Surry Power Station has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

In Virginia VPP, a cooperative relationship is formed between the VOSH program, the employer, and employees, which include the agreement of company leaders to operate an exceptional safety and health management system that meets a rigorous set of criteria. Employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and directly involve employees in all aspects of the safety and health management systems.

Businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and health protections for thousands of employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. Virginia STAR sites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of over 50% below the respective industry average), improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with the above-mentioned enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness while increasing capital.

DOLI operates six recognition programs including:

1 - Virginia STAR, a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, employers, and employees including the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

2 - Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training), a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

3 - Virginia BUILT, a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia (ABCVA) and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The Virginia BUILT program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation in Virginia BUILT.

4 - Virginia CHALLENGE, a formal three-stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

5 - VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE, a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare sites to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or Milford.Stern@doli.virginia.gov.

6 - The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs.

Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/ or by contacting Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, (804) 786-8707, or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer L. Rose, CSP
VOSH Cooperative Programs Director
jennifer.rose@doli.virginia.gov
804-786-7776

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Dominion Energy Surry Power Station in Surry, Virginia, has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Johns Manville in Richmond, Virginia Receives its Second ‘Star’ Designation Under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Voluntary Protection Program

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Johns Manville in Richmond, Virginia has been approved as a STAR Worksite under Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their first Certificate of Recognition issued on January 21, 2015.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of Johns Manville management and employees", said Commissioner Davenport. "I commend the Johns Manville facility in Richmond, Virginia, for embracing the cooperative spirit of VPP, and congratulate them on their hard-earned recertification as a Virginia STAR Worksite."

The Johns Manville commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its very low injury and illness rates. The facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 2.3 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 3.0 for this industry, representing a TCIR rate 23% lower than the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the VPP "STAR Worksite" flag. The Richmond site is the only Johns Manville VPP STAR site in Virginia and currently one of nine sites in the United States. VPP includes two levels of participation, Merit and STAR, with STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs are conducted in other states across the country.

The process for reaching STAR status is extensive to ensure that only the very best programs qualify. Since the inception of Virginia's VPP in 1996, only 72 STAR worksites have been recognized, and only 35 Virginia companies currently retain the STAR/MERIT designation. Johns Manville has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

In Virginia VPP, a cooperative relationship is formed between the VOSH program, the employer, and employees which include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

Businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and health protection for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. VPP STAR sites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of over 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity, and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's

economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

- Virginia STAR is a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees that include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

- Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training) is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

- Virginia BUILT is a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia (ABCVA) and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation.

- Virginia CHALLENGE is a formal three stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

- VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare a site to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. For additional information contact the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or Milford.Stern@doli.virginia.gov.

- The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. These services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. For additional information contact the DOLI office closest to you at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/ or by contacting Tracy Michaud

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Rose
Director of Cooperative Programs
Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
Jennifer.Rose@doli.virginia.gov
804-786-7776

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that Johns Manville in Richmond, Virginia has been approved as a STAR Worksite under Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), the program's highest level of recognition. The facility was honored with their first Certificate of Recognition issued on January 21, 2015.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

NUSTAR L.P. Virginia Beach Terminal in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Receives the Virginia ‘Star’ Designation Under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) Voluntary Protection Programs

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that the NuStar L.P. Terminal in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been certified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of NuStar L.P. Virginia Beach Terminal employees and management. I commend NuStar L.P. Virginia Beach Terminal for embracing the cooperative spirit of VPP, and congratulate them on their hard-earned certification as a Virginia STAR Worksite," said Commissioner Davenport.

NuStar L.P. Virginia Beach Terminal's commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its low injury and illness rates. The Virginia Beach facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 0.0 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 2.8, representing a TCIR rate 100% lower than the national average for the industry. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is 0.0, compared with the 2.0 national rate, which is 100% below the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving Virginia STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the Virginia "STAR Worksite" flag. The NuStar L.P. Virginia Beach Terminal facility is the company's only STAR Worksite in Virginia and is one of 33 NAES VPP STAR sites currently in the United States. VPP includes two levels of participation, Merit and STAR, with Virginia STAR being the highest. Similar voluntary protection programs established in other states across the country.

The process for reaching Virginia STAR status is extensive to ensure that only the very best companies qualify. Since the inception of Virginia STAR in 1996, only 72 STAR worksites have been recognized, and only 35 Virginia companies currently retain the STAR/Merit designation. NuStar L.P. Virginia Beach Terminal's site has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

Virginia businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and health protection for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. VPP STAR worksites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of approximately 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

1 - Virginia STAR is a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees that include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Participating employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

2 - Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training) is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

3 - Virginia BUILT is a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia (ABCVA) and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The Virginia BUILT program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation in Virginia BUILT.

4 - Virginia CHALLENGE is a formal three stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

5 - VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare a site to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/ or contact Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or Milford.Stern@doli.virginia.gov.

6 - The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/ or by contacting Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707, or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Rose
Director of Cooperative Programs
jennifer.rose@doli.virginia.gov

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that the NuStar L.P. Terminal in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been certified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

NAES Southampton Power Station in Franklin, Virginia Receives the Virginia ‘Star’ Designation Under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Voluntary Protection Programs

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that NAES Southampton Power Station in Franklin, Virginia, has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems. The facility was honored with its fourth recertification since being originally certified on December 13, 2004. NAES operates the biomass fueled Southampton Power Station which is owned by Dominion Energy, Inc.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of NAES Southampton Power Station employees and management. I commend NAES Southampton Power Station for embracing the cooperative spirit of VPP, and congratulate them on their hard earned recertification as a Virginia STAR Worksite," said Commissioner Davenport.

NAES Southampton Power Station's commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its low injury and illness rates. The Franklin facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 0.0 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 6.4, representing a TCIR rate 100% lower than the national average for the industry. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is 0.0, compared with the national rate of 2.1, which is 100% below the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving Virginia STAR status under VPP, the worksite is entitled to fly the Virginia "STAR Worksite" flag. The NAES Southampton Power Station facility is the only STAR Worksite in Virginia for NAES and is one of two NAES VPP STAR sites currently in the United States.

Virginia businesses that participate in VPP substantially improve safety and health protections for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. VPP STAR sites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of approximately 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability, competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

VOSH operates six recognition programs. These include:

1 - Virginia STAR is a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees that include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Participating employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

2 - Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training) is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

3 - Virginia BUILT is a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The Virginia BUILT program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation in Virginia BUILT.

4 - Virginia CHALLENGE is a formal three-stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

5 - VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare a site to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. For additional VPP information, contact Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or Milford.Stern@doli.virginia.gov.

6 - Virginia SHARP recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI VOSH Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs.

For additional information about On-Site Consultation Services visit https://www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh-programs/consultation/.

Commissioner C. Ray Davenport announced today that NAES Southampton Power Station in Franklin, Virginia, has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/