10-1157-PHI (osha 10-185)
Aug. 26, 2010
Contact: Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5101

Pennsylvania's Washington Penn Plastic earns prestigious OSHA 'star'
for workplace safety and health success at Arden Division

WASHINGTON, Pa. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration today certified Washington Penn Plastic-Arden Division as a star site, the highest honor in its Voluntary Protection Programs.

OSHA Deputy Regional Administrator Ed Selker and Pittsburgh Area Office Director Robert Szymanski represented OSHA at a ceremony held at the company's office in Washington, Pa.

"Washington Penn Plastic has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring employee safety and health by maintaining an injury and illness rate 48 percent below comparable industry rates," said Selker.

Washington Penn Plastic is the largest compounder of custom polyolefins in North America. The Arden Division supplies compounded products for automotive, consumer and industrial applications.

OSHA's recognition programs include the VPP for employers and employees that have implemented exemplary workplace safety and health management systems. In the VPP, management, labor and OSHA work cooperatively and proactively to prevent injuries, illnesses and workplace hazards. As part of attaining VPP status, employers must demonstrate management commitment to the safety and health of their employees and actively involve employees in the safety and health management system.

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 assure 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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