Massachusetts power plant earns OSHA Star award

Zero injuries and illnesses over the past three years and a strong commitment to safety and health by employees and management have earned BG Dighton Power LLC an additional five years of participation in the prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The electric power generation plant was first certified as a "star" site, the VPP's highest level of accomplishment, in July 2005, when it operated as Calpine Dighton Power. The renewal came after an OSHA team's onsite review found the plant's safety and health programs consistent with the high quality expected of VPP participants.

"The VPP star is awarded only to those workplaces where employees and management work together, continually and effectively, to analyze, identify and eliminate potential hazards," said Marthe Kent, OSHA's regional administrator for New England, who is based in Boston. "The success of the Dighton staff's efforts is clearly reflected in their exemplary safety and health record of no injuries or illnesses during more than 93,000 hours of work logged since 2005."

BG Dighton Power is one of more than 1,920 worksites in 270 industries nationwide, including 32 in Massachusetts, that have earned entry into the VPP. The VPP recognizes sites that are committed to effective employee protection beyond the requirements of OSHA standards and encourages cooperative relationships among labor, management, unions and government.

Through the VPP, employers and employees have experienced significant decreases in fatalities, injuries and illnesses; associated cost reductions including lowered workers' compensation expenses; positive changes in company culture and attitudes toward safety and health; and average injury rates 50 percent lower than other companies in their respective industries.

The VPP is open to deserving employers in any industry. More information is available from the VPP manager in OSHA's Boston Regional Office at 617-565-9890.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces 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.