Region 7 News Release: 10-150-KAN
Feb. 18, 2010
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: 303-844-1302

Fred Weber Inc. earns US Labor Department praise for workplace safety and health achievements at 2 St. Louis-area asphalt plants

ST. LOUIS -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized the management and employees of Fred Weber Inc. for achievement in the company's employee safety and health program at two St. Louis-area locations.

The South Asphalt Plant in St. Louis and the O'Fallon Asphalt Plant in O'Fallon, Mo., both have been recognized as "star" sites, the highest level of recognition that OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) offer, during a ceremony earlier this month. Fred Weber Inc., an asphalt producer, earned VPP star recognition following comprehensive onsite evaluations by a team of OSHA safety and health experts.

"From the top down, Fred Weber Inc. has displayed outstanding effort in implementing a comprehensive safety and health management system," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "The company is an exemplar of workplace safety."

OSHA's recognition programs include the VPP 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 the safety and health management system.

For additional information on the VPP, contact OSHA's regional VPP manager 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 releases are accessible on the Internet at http://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 http://www.dol.gov/compliance.