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OSHA News Release
2006 - 01/31/2006 - BlueLinx Corporation in Sioux Falls Recognized by OSHA For Excellence in Occupational Safety and Health |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 8 News Release: OSHA 06-69-DEN Tuesday, January 31, 2006 Contact: Rich Kulczewski Phone: (303) 844-1302 BlueLinx Corporation in Sioux Falls Recognized by OSHA For Excellence in Occupational Safety and Health
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognized BlueLinx Corporation in Sioux Falls, S.D., for exemplary achievement in their workplace safety and health program at a ceremony Jan. 25. The building products warehousing and distribution facility was designated a VPP "Star" site, the highest level of recognition that OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) offer, during a ceremony at the Ramada Inn and Suites in Sioux Falls. A VPP Star site maintains employee injury and illness rates below the national average for their industry and meets all the safety and health program elements for the VPP, which far exceed regular OSHA standards. BlueLinx is the only site in Sioux Falls and one of only five sites in South Dakota to receive this prestigious recognition. "This award recognizes the employees of BlueLinx for their efforts to develop, implement and maintain a sustained level of high performance in their employee safety and health program," said Greg Baxter, OSHA regional administrator in Denver. "Receiving the VPP Star award is a tremendous accomplishment. It illustrates this worksite's commitment to continual improvement and their dedication to excellence." Brad Baptiste, OSHA's regional VPP manager in Denver, presented the award to plant representatives at the ceremony. According to Baptiste, the BlueLinx safety and health program has many aspects considered "best practices." "Fall hazards are prevalent in this industry; however, the employees at BlueLinx worked together to locate and obtain equipment that essentially eliminates fall hazards from their daily operations," Baptiste said. With about 1,400 sites throughout the country, OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs are open to deserving employers in any industry. Application requirements include demonstrating a high degree of management support and employee involvement in job safety and health, a high-quality worksite hazard analysis, effective prevention and control programs, and a comprehensive safety and health training program for all employees. Each of these elements must be effective, in place and in operation for at least one year before applying to join the program. For additional information on VPP in Region 8 contact Brad Baptiste, OSHA VPP manager, at (720) 264-6555 in Denver. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers 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. ###
U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL 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. |
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