Region 7 News Release: 09-1171-KAN
Sept. 28, 2009
Contact: Jeremy Eggers
Phone: 303-844-1299

U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA recognizes GE Water and Process Technologies in St. Peters, Mo., for safety and health excellence

ST. LOUIS -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has designated GE Water and Process Technologies in St. Peters, Mo., as a Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) star site, the department's highest recognition for meeting or exceeding workplace safety and health standards.

GE Water and Process Technologies earned VPP recognition following a comprehensive evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health experts. The company, with more than 30 workers on site, is a provider of mobile and skid-mounted water treatment equipment and services.

"GE Water and Process Technologies in St. Peters has exhibited excellence in safety and health management," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "The company's outstanding efforts have included management commitment to and employee involvement in safety and health programs."

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, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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