Region 7 News Release10-585-KAN
May 11, 2010
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: 303-844-1302

Westar Energy-Murray Gill Energy Center earns US Labor Department
praise for workplace safety and health achievements

WICHITA, Kan. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has recognized the management and employees of Westar Energy-Murray Gill Energy Center in Wichita for achievement in the company's employee safety and health program.

Westar's Murray Gill Energy Center has been recognized as a "star" site, the highest level of recognition that OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs offer. An electricity generating facility with approximately 25 employees in Wichita, Murray Gill Energy Center earned VPP star recognition following a comprehensive onsite evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health experts.

"From the top down, Westar and its Murray Gill Energy Center have 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.