The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc. in
The research and development center was designated a "Star" site in OSHA's prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), during a March 1 ceremony at the plant. A VPP "Star" site meets or exceeds all the safety and health program elements for the programs, far above and beyond minimum OSHA standards.
"VPP 'Star' designation is a testament to the dedication Honeywell has to maintaining employee workplace safety and health excellence," said John Hermanson, OSHA's deputy regional administrator in
Noteworthy aspects of Honeywell's program include a highly advanced, integrated Web-based management system with safety training programs offered to employees in 11 distinct languages.
"The plant uses technology to efficiently manage its safety and health systems allowing it to develop world-class programs to address complex hazards such as radio-frequency radiation safety," said Brad Baptiste, OSHA's regional VPP manager, who presented a VPP flag and plaque to Honeywell staff at the ceremony.
VPP offers employers a unique opportunity to move beyond traditional safety programs by recognizing participants that successfully incorporate comprehensive safety and health programs into their total management systems. The VPP program is open to deserving employers in any industry.
Requirements for application to VPP, which has more than 1,600 sites in 270 industries nationwide, include a high degree of management support and employee involvement, a high-quality worksite hazard analysis, hazard prevention and control programs, and comprehensive safety and health training for all employees. Each of these elements must be effective and in operation for at least one year before the worksite may apply to join the program.