09-517-PHI (osha 09-125)
June 24, 2009
Contact: Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5101

U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA recognizes Coca-Cola Danone Waters LLC for workplace safety and health success

MILESBURG, Pa. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has certified Coca-Cola Danone Waters (CCDA) LLC as a star site, the highest honor in the agency's prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

"We recognize Coca-Cola Danone Waters for maintaining high employee safety and health standards at its site," said OSHA Harrisburg Area Director Bryan Seal, who honored the company at a special ceremony today at its Milesburg site. "This company is noted for having an injury and illness rate nearly 70 percent below the industry average for three years."

A wholly-owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Co., CCDA manufactures bottled water products including fluoridated spring water and purified spring water.

CCDA is one of 2,160 worksites representing more than 270 industries nationwide that 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 (BLS) average for other companies in their respective industries.

OSHA has improved workplace safety and health over the past 38 years. The success is reflected in the latest data (2007) showing the lowest national injury and illness incidence rate that BLS has ever recorded. OSHA will continue to work diligently to focus its resources where they will have the most impact in assuring that every man and woman returns home safely every day.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://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.