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Department of Labor Logo OSHA News Release -
Denver
Region


Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.
Region 8 News Release: OSHA 07-796-DEN
June 4, 2007
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: (303) 844-1302


Veolia ES Technical Solutions recognized by U.S. Labor Department's OSHA for excellence in occupational safety and health

HENDERSON, Colo. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized the Veolia ES Technical Solutions worksite in Henderson for achievement in its employee safety and health program.

The hazardous waste storage and processing facility was designated a Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) "Merit" site during a ceremony today at the plant. A "Merit" site maintains employee safety and health programs that far exceed minimum OSHA standards.

"The VPP award is a testament to Veolia's dedication to world-class safety and health excellence," said Greg Baxter, OSHA's regional administrator in Denver. "Accomplishing VPP recognition is tremendous and is only made possible through significant employee involvement and a dedicated management team."

Baxter and Brad Baptiste, OSHA's regional VPP manager, presented a VPP flag and plaque to the Veolia team at the ceremony.

Pointing out that Veolia's safety and health program has aspects he considers "best practices," Baptiste said, "One of the noteworthy aspects of this site's efforts includes the reduction and, in many cases, elimination of fall hazards for operators accessing elevated areas during the course of their duties."

OSHA's VPP offers employers a unique opportunity to move beyond traditional safety programs by recognizing participants that successfully incorporate comprehensive safety and health programs into their total management systems. The VPP program is open to deserving employers in any industry.

Requirements for application to the VPP, which has more than 1,700 worksites nationwide, include a high degree of management support and employee involvement, a high-quality worksite hazard analysis, hazard prevention and control programs, 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 site applies to the program. For additional information on the VPP in Region 8, contact Baptiste in Denver at (720) 264-6555.

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 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 OSHA's Web site at www.osha.gov.


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