Entergy facility receives OSHA VPP Star recognition

The Entergy Michoud Steam Electric Station in New Orleans has earned membership in the prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at the "Star," or highest, level. Bruce Stark, VPP coordinator in OSHA's Baton Rouge, La., area office, attended a recognition ceremony that was held at the company's facility on Paris Road.

"The Entergy Michoud Steam Electric Station has demonstrated excellence in effective safety and health management," said OSHA regional administrator Dean W. McDaniel in Dallas. "Its outstanding record includes zero lost workday incidents in more than 25 years. The company is a real role model for the industry."

The Entergy Michoud Steam Electric Station, which began commercial production in 1957, is a natural gas-fired electrical generation facility. The company's 50 employees at the site operate and maintain the equipment needed to generate electricity.

More than 1,860 worksites nationwide have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. Requirements include a high degree of management support and employee involvement; a high-quality worksite hazard analysis; prevention and control programs; 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 rates 50 percent lower than other companies in their respective industries.