GE facility earns Star status for safety performance

The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized the management and employees of GE Control Solutions in Loveland, Colo., for achievement in their employee safety and health program.

The site, which manufactures electronic control systems, was designated a VPP "Star" site, the highest level of recognition that OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) offers. A VPP star site meets or exceeds all the safety and health program elements for the VPP, which far exceed minimum OSHA standards.

"The GE Corporation is an international leader in employee safety and health and we are very fortunate to have high quality workplaces such as GE Control Solutions here in Colorado," said Bob Glover, OSHA assistant regional administrator in Denver. "Their program includes highly innovative emergency preparedness drills that are planned and coordinated by the employees and supervisors at the site along with a very sophisticated, computerized system for managing every aspect of the safety and health program at a world-class level."

Glover presented a VPP flag and plaque to the GE Control Solutions team at the May 1 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 1,957 worksites in the country, 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 applying to join the program.