Sherwin-Williams plant earns OSHA Star recognition

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has designated Sherwin-Williams Company in Andover, Kan., as a Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Star site, the department's highest recognition for meeting or exceeding workplace safety and health standards.

Sherwin-Williams earned VPP recognition following a comprehensive onsite evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health experts. The company, with more than 170 employees in Andover, produces and ships paint products.

"Earning VPP Star status is no easy feat. Companies achieving this status have a proven record of taking workplace safety seriously," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City. "Sherwin-Williams has taken positive steps to ensure safe working processes are part of everyday work life."

The VPP offers employers an opportunity to move beyond traditional safety programs by recognizing participants who successfully incorporate comprehensive safety and health programs into their total management systems.

More than 2,160 worksites nationwide, representing more than 270 industries, have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. 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.