The phrase "no nukes" might be changed to "go nukes" if OSHA has anything to say about it. PPL Corp.''s Susquehanna nuclear plant has joined the ranks of OSHA''s Voluntary Protection Program.
The Susquehanna plant, located in Luzerne County about seven miles north of Berwick, Pa., received "Star" certification in VPP, one of only five nuclear plants nationwide to receive the certification. Fewer than 600 sites have earned recognition in the program out of more than 7 million companies that OSHA monitors.
"This voluntary program recognizes that safety practices and processes that go beyond OSHA standards can protect workers more effectively than simple compliance," said Robert G. Byram, PPL''s senior vice president and chief nuclear officer.
"This recognition is a result of the teamwork of our employees and a partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1600 in our safety efforts," he said. "It''s a tribute to the commitment to working safely and maintaining a safe working environment that PPL and the employees of the Susquehanna plant have."
Participants in VPP undergo an extensive qualification process. OSHA evaluates safety and health program components such as management leadership, employee involvement, work-site analysis, training and hazard prevention and control. According to the federal agency, participating sites generally experience fewer lost workday injuries than would be expected at an average site of the same size in their industries.
PPL Corp. has made a concerted effort to have its safety programs validated through VPP. In 1999, the Martins Creek plant was the first PPL facility to receive OSHA''s Star rating. In September 2001, PPL Interstate Energy Co. (IEC) also received the Star rating. IEC''s employees operate and maintain the pipeline that transports oil from the shipping pier at Marcus Hook near Philadelphia to the Martins Creek plant. The pipeline also transports natural gas.
by Sandy Smith ([email protected])