American Packaging Corp. Earns VPP Star Site Status

May 11, 2009
OSHA has certified the RP&L Division of American Packaging Corp. in Columbus, Wis., as a star site in its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

"American Packaging has an excellent record in workplace safety and health," said Kimberly Stille, director of OSHA's Madison, Wis., area office, who presented the company with a VPP star flag and plaque. "This site's outstanding efforts include management commitment and continuous improvement, as well as exceptional employee involvement in safety and health programs."

The RP&L Division, a rotogravure printing and laminating operation, employs about 230 workers and has support departments in maintenance, ink blending, prepress assembly, quality control, material handling and shipping and receiving.

The star designation is the highest level of recognition that an employer can achieve in the VPP. The VPP is designed for worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health programs. More than 2,160 worksites nationwide representing more than 270 industries have earned entry into OSHA's VPP.

Requirements include a high degree of management commitment and employee involvement; a high-quality worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control program; and comprehensive safety and health training for all employees. Each of these elements must be effective, in place and in operation for at least one year before a company can apply to join the VPP. Companies in the VPP achieve average injury and illness rates 50 percent below the Bureau of Labor Statistics average for other companies in their respective industries.

More information about VPP.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

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