Trade Release
June 30, 2009
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

U.S. Department of Labor presents the Exceptional Service Impact Award to OSHA's Cathy Oliver

WASHINGTON -- A 30-year tenure with one organization could be considered unlikely in today's organizations, but one Occupational Safety and Health Administration employee has already met and surpassed the three decade mark.

Cathy Oliver, director of OSHA's Office of Partnerships and Recognition, began her career at OSHA in 1975 as a program analyst during the agency's early years of publishing new standards and conducting enforcement inspections. The cooperative programs she helped implement gained acceptance after demonstrating their effectiveness in helping businesses reduce worker injuries and illnesses.

Her commitment to OSHA's mission of promoting the safety and health of America's working men and women has earned her the U.S. Department of Labor's Exceptional Service Impact Award.

"I am proud of my collaboration with OSHA staff, labor and business leaders who have dedicated their talents to occupational safety and health. I am honored to accept this award and recognize that the true reward is knowing that my efforts have helped improve the safety of millions of American workers," said Oliver.

Oliver manages the agency's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), which recognize the efforts made by workers and their employers who have implemented exemplary workplace safety and health management systems. Oliver's use of creative strategies has enabled the program to grow to more than 2,000 participants with a potential impact on nearly 900,000 workers. VPP participants have experienced injury and illness rates more than 50 percent below Bureau of Labor Statistics industry averages.

In addition, Oliver assisted in the development and implementation of the OSHA Strategic Partnership Program that brings together management, labor and government to focus on specific hazards and employ safety and health management systems that address worker safety and health.

"More important than the number of years Cathy has served in this agency, is the influence she has had on making worker safety among the top priorities in America's workplaces," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "I congratulate her on receiving this award and for the accomplishments she has achieved."

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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