OSHA honours Lubrizol with VPP Star Recertification
Setting standards for occupational health and safety
The Lubrizol Corporation has announced that its Wickliffe facility has been recertified as a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star site by the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Association. The VPP recognises employers and workers in the private industry and federal agencies who have implemented effective safety and health management systems and maintain injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for their respective industries.
The Wickliffe facility has demonstrated continuous improvement in its safety, health and security programmes since VPP Star certification in 2007. A 27-page report prepared by the OSHA inspection team called attention to several areas of excellence including the Wickliffe emergency response department’s capabilities for fire fighting and emergency and hazardous materials response; the medical department’s occupational health and safety capabilities, along with the Lubrizol Essentials wellness programmes for all employees; and the ‘Something Happened’ incident and accident reporting system.
Julie Weis, assistant area director of the Cleveland area local OSHA office, made the official presentation of the OSHA VPP Star certificate plaque on 15 September 2011. Commenting on the award, Weis noted that the Wickliffe facility deserves accolades for its “exceptional recycling and waste stream management programme”. Dave Skursha, Wickliffe facility manager, accepted the plaque on behalf of all employees, saying: “The award really belongs to you – the employees who come to work every day with a mindset of doing your jobs in a safe and healthful manner.”
