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OSHA News Release
2006 - 12/05/2006 - U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA Welcomes Mentor, Ohio, Worksite into VPP Star Family for Outstanding Job Safety and Health Efforts

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Region 5 News Release:    06-1592-chi
Dec. 5, 2006
Contact: Brad Mitchell
Phone: (312)353-6976


U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA Welcomes Mentor, Ohio, Worksite into VPP Star Family for Outstanding Job Safety and Health Efforts

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today praised STERIS Corporation's Pinecone Biological Operations in Mentor, Ohio, as one of the nation's most effective employers in protecting employee's health and safety. OSHA welcomed the facility into the prestigious Star category of its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Presentation of the VPP Star flag and plaque signifying acceptance into the VPP will be made at a luncheon ceremony 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 7 in Mentor. The plant earned VPP Star status in September.

"This STERIS facility has operated at a safety rate superior to the national average for injuries and illnesses in similar workplaces," said Michael G. Connors, regional administrator in Chicago for OSHA. "We believe that cooperation between management and employees at this site is the key to their success, and we hope the entire industry will emulate their efforts."

The STERIS Corporation Pinecone Biological Operations facility employs 55 people and manufactures biological and chemical indicators used to validate sterilization processes for the healthcare and life sciences industries. The facility has been in operation since September 1999.

"The safety of our employees and the communities in which we have operations is our top priority," said Tim Millett, Operations Manager at the Pinecone facility. "This award validates that employers and employees, working together, can achieve safety excellence. We are very proud to receive this recognition from OSHA."

The VPP recognizes and promotes effective workplace safety and health management. In the program, management, labor and OSHA establish a cooperative relationship at a worksite that has implemented strong safety and health systems. Star members meet all VPP requirements and are at the top of the program's recognition ladder.

According to Connors, VPP participating businesses experience fewer employee injuries and illnesses, reduced workers' compensation costs, improved productivity, improved employee morale and recognition in the community. In addition, safety and health management systems at these sites are further improved over time through the internal and external reviews that are part of the program's ongoing requirements.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 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 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 www.osha.gov.


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Editor's Note: Mentor, Ohio-area news media interested in covering this event should contact Stephen Norton in STERIS Corporate Communications at (440) 392-7482.

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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