Missouri Company Registers as a Star with OSHA

May 16, 2002
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is handing out stars to Standard Register Co., Kirksville, Mo.

The company was recognized for continued excellence in worker safety and health. It achieved "Star" status in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program.

Initially approved as a "Merit" participant in 1997, the first step in OSHA's VPP ladder, Standard Register demonstrated the potential and willingness to achieve "Star" status by designing and implementing outstanding safety and health programs in which management, labor and OSHA establish a cooperative relationship.

In addition to an exemplary safety and health program, OSHA's review team found that the facility had a lost work day injury and illness incidence rate approximately 57 percent below the industry national average. The company employs approximately 260 workers and manufactures manifold business forms.

"Standard Register also exhibited excellence in effective safety and health management, employee training and involvement and the application of appropriate resources into these areas," said OSHA Regional Administrator Charles E. Adkins, CIH. "We were impressed with the participation of top level management in the company's safety and health program, and believe it is the key to its effectiveness."

VPP sites experience fewer employee injuries and illnesses, reduced workers' compensation costs, improved productivity, improved employee morale and recognition in the community. Existing programs are improved through reviews that are part of the process. OSHA will not target a worksite approved for VPP for a regularly scheduled programmed inspection, although it must continue to comply with all OSHA safety and health regulations. OSHA remains responsible for investigating worker complaints and serious accidents.

There are approximately 820 worksites in the VPP.

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

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