Region 3 News Release: 09-450-PHI

April 28, 2009
Contact: Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5102

U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA recognizes U.S. Steel Research and Technology Center for exceptional employee safety and health

MUNHALL, Pa. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has certified the U.S. Steel Research and Technology Center as a star site, the highest honor in its prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

OSHA Deputy Regional Administrator Edward Selker honored the agency at a special ceremony held at the U.S. Steel Research and Development Center in Munhall. "The U.S. Steel Research and Technology Center deserves this recognition for maintaining high employee health and safety standards," said Selker. "Certification as a star site highlights the center's commitment to the safety and well-being of its employees."

The center consists of engineers, scientists and technicians dedicated to aiding U.S. Steel's worldwide manufacturing. These experts at the Munhall site use the latest technology to research and develop new steel production, processes and methods, sometimes while working in high-temperature and gaseous environments.

About 2,160 worksites representing more than 270 industries nationwide 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 average for other companies in their respective industries.

For more information about the VPP, call OSHA's regional VPP manager at 215-861-4900 or visit http://www.osha.gov/vpp.

OSHA has improved workplace safety and health over the past 38 years. The success is reflected in the latest data (2007) showing the lowest national injury and illness incidence rate that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has ever recorded. OSHA will continue to work diligently to focus its resources where they will have the most impact in assuring that every 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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U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department 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.