Lockheed Martin site honored for safety success

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has certified Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control in its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). During a recent ceremony at the facility in Archbold, Pa., Mark Stelmack, OSHA's area director in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., presented the company with a VPP Star flag.

Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, located in the Pocono Mountains, performs metal fabrication for the military. The facility has approximately 589 full-time employees.

"Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control has exhibited a strong commitment to the safety and health of their employees," said Stelmack. "The company has maintained an injury and illness rate below the industry average for three years."

Designed for worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health programs, the VPP is open to all industries.

More than 2,110 worksites nationwide have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. Employers that have been accepted into the VPP represent more than 270 industries. 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.