Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

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Department of Labor Logo OSHA News Release -
Kansas City
Region


Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.
Region 7 News Release: OSHA 08-1005-KAN
July 29, 2008
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: 303-844-1302


U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA recognizes two STERIS Corp. sites for safety and health excellence

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Two STERIS Corp. sites, the St. Louis Operations and St. Louis Distribution Center in St. Louis, have earned membership at the "star," or highest, level in the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

"Both the St. Louis Operations and St. Louis Distribution Center of STERIS Corp. have demonstrated excellence in their comprehensive safety and health management," said Charles E. Adkins, CIH, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City. "Their outstanding efforts have included management commitment to safety and health, and employee involvement in safety and health programs."

STERIS Corp.'s St. Louis Operations division has 220 employees who manufacture hand hygiene and hard-surface disinfectants. The 25 employees at the company's St. Louis Distribution Center receive and distribute the product. A VPP recognition ceremony was held at the plant in St. Louis.

Almost 2,000 worksites nationwide have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. Requirements include a high degree of management support and employee involvement; a high-quality worksite hazard analysis, 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 injury and illness rates averaging 50 percent lower than others in their industries.

Information kits about the VPP application and approval processes are available from OSHA's VPP manager at the agency's Kansas City regional office; telephone 816-283-8745.

OSHA has improved workplace safety and health over the past 37 years. This success is reflected in the latest data (2006) showing the lowest national injury and illness incidence rate that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has ever recorded. OSHA will continue to work diligently to focus its resources where they will have the most impact in assuring that every working man and woman returns home safely every day.

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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