TRADE NEWS RELEASE
June 17, 2002
Contact: Frank Meilinger
Phone: (202) 693-1999

WASHINGTON -- The 3M Company plant in Aberdeen, S.D. was recognized today by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for continued excellence in its safety and health program, during a ceremony held at the plant. 3M's Occupational Health & Environmental Safety Division in Aberdeen was awarded one of the highest levels of recognition that OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) has to offer -- OSHA's prestigious VPP STAR.

John L. Henshaw, Assistant Secretary for OSHA, and Terry M. Terry, OSHA's regional VPP manager in Denver, presented a VPP flag and plaque to 3M Aberdeen employees during today's ceremony.

"The 3M Corporation has made a strong commitment to health and safety at its facilities world-wide, and this award for 3M-Aberdeen is proof that commitment is working," said Henshaw. "3M's corporate commitment to bring all of its U.S. facilities into the VPP program is a testament to the strength of 3M's dedication to the health and safety of its employees, and should serve as a model for health and safety programs in other corporations in this country and, indeed, around the world."

"We at 3M are extremely excited to receive this recognition," said Katherine Reed, staff vice-president, 3M Environmental, Health and Safety. "3M is committed to workplace safety at our facilities around the world. As a result, we have implemented a global Environmental, Health and Safety management system, which parallels OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program. We commend OSHA for promoting voluntary health and safety improvements programs and for setting goals that can be implemented not only in this country but around the world."

OSHA's VPP offers companies a unique opportunity to move beyond traditional safety programs by recognizing work places that successfully incorporate comprehensive safety and health programs into their total management systems. A STAR VPP program is open to any industry, and to companies with injury rates below their industry's national average. There are approximately 800 VPP STAR sites in the nation.

Requirements for application to VPP include a high degree of management support and employee involvement; a high-quality worksite hazard analysis, 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 applying to join the program.

For additional information on VPP, please visit OSHA's website at www.osha.gov.