Region 6 News Release: OSHA-09-1108-DAL
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009
Contact: Elizabeth Todd
Phone: 972-850-4710

U. S. Labor Department's OSHA recognizes H-E-B Bakery in San Antonio for excellence in safety and health

SAN ANTONIO -- H-E-B Bakery in San Antonio 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 the H-E-B Bakery Pan Am Expressway location.

The company, which produces baked goods for the San Antonio-based H-E-B grocery chain, earned VPP recognition after implementing a comprehensive employee safety and health management system in accordance with VPP standards. Eric S. Harbin, director for OSHA's Austin Area Office, and Lyndol Miller, OSHA's VPP coordinator in Austin, attended the ceremony.

"This is the third site in San Antonio at which H-E-B has exceeded OSHA's VPP minimum standards," said Dean McDaniel, OSHA's regional administrator in Dallas. "H-E-B San Antonio Bakery is to be commended for displaying an outstanding commitment to safety and health."

The VPP recognizes worksites that are committed to effective employee protection beyond traditional safety programs by recognizing participants that successfully incorporate comprehensive safety and health programs into their total management systems.

More than 2,200 worksites nationwide, representing more than 300 industries, 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.

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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