Region 7 News Release: 11-31-KAN
Jan. 21, 2011
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: 303-844-1302
E-mail: kulczewski.richard@dol.gov
US Labor Department's OSHA recognizes Avery Dennison-Riverside
Distribution Center in Missouri as 'star' site for workplace safety and health
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has recognized the Avery Dennison-Riverside Distribution Center in Riverside, Mo., as a "star" site, the highest level of recognition offered by the agency's Voluntary Protection Programs. Management and employees were commended for their achievement with the company's employee safety and health program.
The company, which converts bulk rolls of paper and film materials into smaller roll widths/lengths for the narrow web industry, earned this recognition following a comprehensive on-site evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health experts. The company employs about 30 workers at its Riverside facility.
"From the top down, Avery Dennison-Riverside has displayed an outstanding effort in implementing a comprehensive safety and health management system," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City. "The company is an exemplar of workplace safety."
The Voluntary Protection Programs recognize employers and workers in the private industry and federal agencies who have implemented effective safety and health management systems, and maintain injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for their respective industries. In VPP, management, labor and OSHA work cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses through a system focused on hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, training, management commitment and worker involvement. To participate, employers must submit an application to OSHA and undergo a rigorous on-site evaluation by a team of safety and health professionals. Union support is required for applicants represented by a bargaining unit. VPP participants are re-evaluated every three to five years to remain in the programs. VPP participants are exempt from OSHA programmed inspections while they maintain their VPP status. For information on VPP and other cooperative programs, visit: http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_assistance/index_programs.html.
For additional information on the VPP, contact OSHA's regional VPP manager in Kansas City at 816-283-8745.
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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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.