Region 7 News Release:   KC-OSHA-05
Date: May 7, 2002
Contact: Norma Conrad
Phone: 816-426-5491

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Standard Register Company of Kirksville, Mo. will be recognized for continued excellence in worker safety and health. A ceremony marking the company's advancement to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's "Star" Voluntary Protection Program will be held May 10.

Initially approved as a "Merit" participant in 1997, the first step in OSHA's VPP ladder, Standard Register demonstrated the potential and willingness to achieve "Star" status by implementing planned steps to meet program requirements. Employing approximately 260 workers, the company manufactures manifold business forms.

In addition to an exemplary safety and health program, OSHA's review team found that the facility had a lost work day injury and illness incidence rate approximately 57 percent below the industry national average.

"Standard Register also exhibited excellence in effective safety and health management, employee training and involvement, and the application of appropriate resources into these areas," said OSHA Regional Administrator Charles E. Adkins, CIH. "We were impressed with the participation of top level management in the company's safety and health program, and believe it is the key to its effectiveness."

From coast to coast, there are approximately 820 worksites in the VPP.

A Fact Sheet on the Voluntary Protection Program is attached.

FACT SHEET

THE VOLUNTARY PROTECTION PROGRAM

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program recognizes and promotes effective safety and health management. Participants are a select group of facilities that have designed and put into practice outstanding safety and health programs in which management, labor and OSHA establish a cooperative relationship.

"Star" participants meet all VPP requirements.

VPP workplaces have shown that an investment in the OSHA program is an effective allocation of resources. VPP sites experience fewer employee injuries and illnesses, reduced workers' compensation costs, improved productivity, improved employee morale, and recognition in the community. Existing programs are improved through reviews that are part of the process. A worksite approved for VPP will not be targeted by OSHA for a regularly scheduled programmed inspection, although it must continue to comply with all OSHA safety and health regulations. OSHA remains responsible for investigating worker complaints and serious accidents.

Editor's Note: Information kits about the VPP application and approval process are available from the VPP Manager at OSHA's Kansas City Regional Office at 816/426-5861. Another source of information about VPP is the Voluntary Protection Participants' Association (VPPPA), Falls Church, Va., a group of VPP members dedicated to the exchange of safety and health information. Their phone number is 703/761-1146.