Region 6 News Release: OSHA-09-280-DAL
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Contact: Elizabeth Todd
Phone: 972-850-4710

Telemundo KVDA-TV 60 in San Antonio achieves U.S. Labor Department's OSHA recognition for safety and health excellence

SAN ANTONIO -- Telemundo KVDA-TV 60 in San Antonio has earned membership in the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at the star, or highest, level for achieving three years of excellence in employee health and safety.

Eric S. Harbin, OSHA's area director in Austin, Texas, attended today's recognition ceremony at the company's facility at 6234 San Pedro Ave. in San Antonio.

"Telemundo KVDA-TV 60 is the nation's first broadcaster of Hispanic programming to earn VPP star recognition," said OSHA's Region VI Administrator Dean W. McDaniel. "The station's outstanding efforts include zero injuries and illnesses over the past three years."

Telemundo KVDA-TV 60, which employs about 21 workers at the San Antonio location, is owned by the NBC Universal Inc. division of the General Electric Co. The company has implemented a comprehensive employee safety and health management system in accordance with VPP standards.

More than 2,160 worksites nationwide, representing more than 270 industries, have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. Requirements include a high degree of management commitment and employee involvement; a high-quality worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control program; 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 a company can apply to join the VPP. Companies in the VPP achieve average injury and illness rates 50 percent below the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) average for other companies in their respective industries.

OSHA has improved workplace safety and health over the past 38 years. This success is reflected in the latest data (2007) showing the lowest national injury and illness incidence rate that BLS has ever recorded. OSHA will continue to work diligently to focus its resources where they will have the most impact in assuring that every working man and woman returns home safely every day.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote 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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