Region 7 News Release: 09-551-KAN
June 11, 2009
Contact: Jeremy Eggers
Phone: 303-844-1299

OSHA recognizes Sherwin-Williams Co. in Andover, Kan., for workplace safety and health excellence

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has designated Sherwin-Williams Co. in Andover, Kan., as a Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) star site, the department's highest recognition for meeting or exceeding workplace safety and health standards.

Sherwin-Williams earned VPP recognition following a comprehensive onsite evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health experts. The company, with more than 170 employees in Andover, produces and ships paint products.

"Earning VPP star status is no easy feat. Companies achieving this status have a proven record of taking workplace safety seriously," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City. "Sherwin-Williams has taken positive steps to ensure safe working processes are part of everyday work life."

The VPP offers employers an opportunity to move beyond traditional safety programs by recognizing participants who successfully incorporate comprehensive safety and health programs into their total management systems.

More than 2,160 worksites nationwide, representing more than 270 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.

Companies in the VPP achieve average injury and illness rates 50 percent below the Bureau of Labor Statistics average for other companies in their respective industries. For more information about the VPP, call OSHA's regional VPP manager at 816-283-8745 or visit http://www.osha.gov/vpp.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote 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.

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U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at 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 www.dol.gov/compliance.