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OSHA News Release
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Region 1
Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.
Region 1 News Release: 08-1546-BOS/BOS 2008-342
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: 617-565-2074
PRESTON, Conn. - Covanta Energy of Southeastern Connecticut (Covanta SECONN) has been approved for an additional three years of participation in the prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The Preston energy-from-waste facility continues at the star level, the program's highest level of achievement. The renewal follows an OSHA team's onsite review, which included an examination of the facility's safety and health management system, interviews with employees and a complete tour of the plant.
"This star renewal pays tribute to the continuous, effective commitment by Covanta and its 38 employees at the Preston plant to identify, minimize and eliminate workplace hazards," said Marthe Kent, OSHA's New England regional administrator. "The priority they place on employee safety and health is reflected in their enviable and unbeatable illness and injury rate. The Preston plant recorded no injuries or illnesses in the past six years."
Among the plant's areas of excellence are a comprehensive program to analyze, identify and address hazards associated with each job and task, discussion and correction of near-miss incidents, an annual safety day for trash haulers who deliver to the plant, and active promotion of safety and health within its industry and the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association.
Covanta SECONN is one of more than 2,110 worksites nationwide that have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. Employers that have been accepted into the VPP represent more than 270 industries. 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.
Eighteen other worksites in Connecticut are currently in the VPP, including Covanta facilities in Bristol, Hartford and Wallingford. More information is available from the VPP manager in OSHA's Boston Regional Office at 617-565-9890, or online at www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/index.html.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: 617-565-2074
Covanta Energy of Southeastern Connecticut again recognized as workplace safety and health star by U.S. Labor Department's OSHA
Preston, Conn., energy-from-waste plant recorded 0 injuries and illnesses for 6 years
Preston, Conn., energy-from-waste plant recorded 0 injuries and illnesses for 6 years
PRESTON, Conn. - Covanta Energy of Southeastern Connecticut (Covanta SECONN) has been approved for an additional three years of participation in the prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The Preston energy-from-waste facility continues at the star level, the program's highest level of achievement. The renewal follows an OSHA team's onsite review, which included an examination of the facility's safety and health management system, interviews with employees and a complete tour of the plant.
"This star renewal pays tribute to the continuous, effective commitment by Covanta and its 38 employees at the Preston plant to identify, minimize and eliminate workplace hazards," said Marthe Kent, OSHA's New England regional administrator. "The priority they place on employee safety and health is reflected in their enviable and unbeatable illness and injury rate. The Preston plant recorded no injuries or illnesses in the past six years."
Among the plant's areas of excellence are a comprehensive program to analyze, identify and address hazards associated with each job and task, discussion and correction of near-miss incidents, an annual safety day for trash haulers who deliver to the plant, and active promotion of safety and health within its industry and the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association.
Covanta SECONN is one of more than 2,110 worksites nationwide that have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. Employers that have been accepted into the VPP represent more than 270 industries. 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.
Eighteen other worksites in Connecticut are currently in the VPP, including Covanta facilities in Bristol, Hartford and Wallingford. More information is available from the VPP manager in OSHA's Boston Regional Office at 617-565-9890, or online at www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/index.html.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.