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OSHA News Release
2003 - 10/23/2003 - ConAgra Foods Recognized by OSHA for Excellence in Occupational Safety and Health

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Region 8 News Release:   USDL 03-595-DEN
October 23, 2003
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: (303) 844-1302


ConAgra Foods Recognized by OSHA for Excellence in Occupational Safety and Health

LONGMONT, Colo. -- ConAgra Foods of Longmont, Colo. was recognized today by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) site for excellence in their safety and health program.

The Voluntary Protection Program is the Labor Department's premier initiative to promote and recognize excellence in occupational safety and health The company has been designated a VPP "Merit" site, meeting all the safety and health elements for the program, which far exceed minimum OSHA standards.

"Noteworthy aspects of ConAgra Foods' program are its safety training and computerized preventative maintenance system," said Herb Gibson, OSHA's area director in Denver. "Management fosters good ergonomic practices and supports a buddy system through its VPP committee to mentor employees on hazard identification."

Gibson and Terry Mitton-Terry, OSHA's regional VPP manager, today presented a VPP flag and plaque to ConAgra Foods employees' at a ceremony at the Longmont plant.

VPP offers companies 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. Requirements for earning VPP status include a high degree of management support and employee involvement in health and safety; a high-quality worksite analysis program; hazard prevention and control programs; and comprehensive safety and health training for all employees.

Each of these elements must be effective, in place and operational for at least one year before a business applies to join the program. A rigorous, week-long onsite OSHA evaluation verifies that the company has achieved excellence in safety and health.

Area businesses seeking more information about the VPP may contact Terry Mitton-Terry, VPP manager for OSHA's Denver office at (303) 844-1600 (x 317).

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is dedicated to saving lives, preventing injuries and illnesses, and protecting America's workers. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.


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