Region 6 News Release: DOL-OSHA-10-1294-DAL
Oct. 26, 2010
Contact: Elizabeth Todd Juan Rodriguez
E-mail: todd.elizabeth@dol.gov rodriguez.juan@dol.gov
Phone: 972-850-4710 972-850-4709

US Department of Labor's OSHA recognizes Power Resources Ltd.
in Big Spring, Texas, for excellence in safety and health

BIG SPRING, Texas - Power Resources Ltd. in Big Spring has earned membership in the Voluntary Protection Programs of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration at the star, or highest, level for achieving three years of excellence in employee health and safety.

"Power Resources has demonstrated excellence in effective safety and health management," said William A. Burke, OSHA's acting regional administrator in Dallas, Texas. "The company's outstanding efforts at this site led to zero injuries and illnesses over the past three years."

Power Resources is a natural gas-fueled facility located in Howard County, Texas. About 19 workers perform functions including accounting, purchasing, operations, compliance and plant maintenance. The plant has an hourly net capacity of approximately 212 megawatts, which is approximately equal to all the electricity consumed by 114,000 homes or the city of Big Spring and four surrounding counties. The plant was constructed in the 1980s, achieving commercial operation in June 1987 and a final performance acceptance testing that was completed in February 1988.

Jack A Rector, director of OSHA's El Paso Area Office and OSHA's Lubbock District Office in Texas, attended today's ceremony at the Power Resources facility on Refinery Road in Big Spring.

OSHA's recognition programs include the VPP for employers and employees who 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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