Region 10 News Release: 11-759-SEA (11-117)
May 23, 2011
Contact: Jeannine Lupton
Phone: 206-553-7620
Email: lupton.jeannine@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA certifies Naval Facilities Engineering
Command Northwest as VPP 'star' for workplace safety and health

SEATTLE – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has recognized the management and employees at Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest, also known as NAVFAC NW, headquartered in Silverdale, for their achievement in employee safety and health programs at Bangor, Naval Station Kitsap, Keyport, Everett, Indian Island and Whidbey Island. NAVFAC NW has been designated as a "star" site, the highest honor available, in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs.

NAVFAC NW operates Navy public works departments that plan, design and contract construction projects and engage in warehousing, steam production, facilities maintenance, waste collection and disposal. Approximately 1,000 employees work for NAVFAC NW.

"NAVFAC NW has demonstrated that a systematic approach to safety involving labor and management working together in a cooperative manner can be extremely successful," said Dean Ikeda, OSHA regional administrator in Seattle. "Adopting a cooperative approach has significantly reduced hazards and consequently reduced injuries."

The Voluntary Protection Programs recognize private and federal worksites with effective safety and health management systems that have maintained injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages. Management, labor and OSHA work cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses through a system focused on hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis and training. Union support is required for applicant worksites where employees are represented by a bargaining unit. Participating worksites are exempt from OSHA programmed inspections while they maintain their VPP status. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/index.html.

For additional information on the VPP, contact OSHA's regional office in Seattle at 206-553-7620.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.