Region 6 News Release: OSHA-09-1234-DAL
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
Contact: Elizabeth Todd
Phone: 972-850-4710

US Postal Service's El Paso Postal Distribution Center achieves US Labor Department's OSHA recognition

EL PASO, Texas -- The U.S. Postal Service, El Paso Postal Distribution Center, has earned merit recognition in the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its employee health and safety achievements. The recognition ceremony took place today at 8401 Boeing Drive.

"The United States Postal Service's El Paso Distribution Center is to be commended for exceeding OSHA's VPP minimum standards," said Dean W. McDaniel, the agency's regional administrator in Dallas. "The company's outstanding efforts at this site include maintaining an injury and illness rate that is 51 percent below the national average for this industry."

The El Paso Distribution Center processes first class, express and priority mail, bulk business mail and newspapers to the El Paso and Las Cruces, N.M., areas. This facility also loads and unloads contract trucks that make about 60 trips per day from the 14 El Paso postal stations it services.

The VPP are one of OSHA's recognition programs for employers and employees who have implemented exemplary workplace safety and health management systems. 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 supporting their safety and health management system.

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.

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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.