Region 2 News Release: OSHA-06-1949-DAL
November 13, 2006
Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd
Phone: (214) 767-4776, Ext. 222 or 221

LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Firestone Polymers LLC's Lake Charles Facility has earned membership in the prestigious "Star" Voluntary Protection Program of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A recognition ceremony was held at the company's Lake Charles facility on 1801 Highway 108 East.

"Firestone Polymers has demonstrated excellence in effective safety and health management," said OSHA Regional Administrator Frank Strasheim in Dallas. "Their outstanding efforts include achieving an injury and illness rate that is 53 percent below the national average for their industry."

Firestone Polymers LLC's Lake Charles Facility, which operates a polymerization process that produces 420 million pounds of synthetic rubber annually, employs some 300 workers. About 90 are contract workers. The company is owned by Bridgestone Americas Holding, headquartered in Nashville, Tenn.

The Voluntary Protection Programs recognize and promote effective workplace safety and health management. Companies in the VPP achieve average injury rates 50 percent lower than other companies in their industry. Approximately 1,600 work sites representing more than 50 industries nationwide participate in the program.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. The role of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor 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.