Tag Archives: Occupational Safety and Health

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/

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/

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/

FMTC Safety Continues Expansion with On-Site Training & Instruction Acquisition

HOUMA, La. /ScoopCloud/ -- FMTC Safety is continuing its global expansion in the Offshore, Wind, Maritime, and Industry sectors by acquiring Houma-based On-Site Training & Instruction. With this acquisition, the Houma location now offers certified OPITO training, a safety training for Oil, Gas, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workers. Later this year, the company will obtain the certified STCW accreditation and offer various STCW training courses, safety training for seafarers which will make FMTC Safety the first and only one-stop-shop for workplace safety courses in the USA.

Besides Houma, FMTC has five locations in The Netherlands, one in Dunkirk, France, and one in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia. FMTC offers compliant training according to domestic and international accrediting standards such as GWO, STCW, OSHA, OPITO, and customized training for all sectors.

International certification, same family business:

The acquisition of On-Site Training & Instruction by FMTC Safety originates from a solid 3-year partnership between the two companies. The partnership in Houma was FMTC's first international experience and turned FMTC from a national Dutch company into a global company. Acquiring the Houma location is seen as the start of expanding further in the USA.

By combining the strengths of both companies, the Houma location is now able to offer training in accordance with the OSHA standards, and the newest international standards. In addition, the facilities have been improved, and courses can now be booked online at any given moment the client prefers. In addition, FMTC guarantees that courses always take place, even with just one trainee. Besides these modernizations of the Houma-based company, the course additions, and the new name, the company is still run by the same trusted employees.

Kaylab Verdin, Center Manager FMTC Houma: "We are delighted that FMTC decided to invest in our company in Houma. FMTC understands our unique company culture. We now work under the FMTC banner, but we are still the same devoted family business. And even though Winona 'Bebe' Mahler McElroy, the founder of On-Site, has now retired, her son Alfred Fox is still as involved as always as we continue to help our clients to the safest work environments with our dedicated team."

First woman founder and CEO:

Winona "Bebe" Mahler McElroy founded On-Site in 1989. She was the first woman founder and CEO in the male-dominated safety industry. Breaking through tradition and stereotypes, Winona McElroy became the first woman firefighter in Houma. She was known for taking every possible safety training she could, which eventually led to her being asked to teach a Hazmat training, a course for dealing with dangerous substances. Soon many other companies caught on and asked her to be their safety instructor as well.

"At that time, I was driving around Houma with a 10 lb. extinguisher in my jeep and I was getting paid by teaching hundreds of men working with hazardous material. As a woman, when I proactively started offering safety courses to companies, many thought I was just a sales representative. They were all amazed that I was the one teaching the courses and it was my company. This is how I got started and founded On-Site Training & Instruction in the late eighties. I am happy that On-Site is in such good hands with FMTC and they continue to bring safety to the workplace!"

About FMTC Safety:

FMTC Safety is the safety training center for Offshore training, Wind training, Maritime training, and Industry training offering certified training according to international standards. The company's goal is to smartly and sustainably enhance safety in the workplace with respect for people, the planet, and the environment. FMTC's unique selling point is its client-based approach. The client always decides when they want to train and where the training will take place. At this moment, FMTC has 9 training locations around the world. Two locations are in The Netherlands, one in Dunkirk, France, one in Houma, Louisiana, USA, and one in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

For more information, please visit: https://fmtcsafety.com

RELATED LINKS:

https://fmtcsafety.com/us/courses/stcw-basic-safety-training/

FMTC Safety is continuing its global expansion in the Offshore, Wind, Maritime, and Industry sectors by acquiring Houma-based On-Site Training & Instruction. With this acquisition, the Houma location now offers certified OPITO training, a safety training for Oil, Gas, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workers.

Related link: https://fmtcsafety.com/

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/