DuPont plant retains OSHA Star status

For the 21^st consecutive year, DuPont Fluoroproducts' Corpus Christi plant in Ingleside, Texas, has earned membership in the prestigious "Star" Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A recognition ceremony was held at the company's facility on Highway 361 in Ingleside.

"DuPont Fluoroproducts Corpus Christi Plant has continued to demonstrate excellence in effective safety and health management," said Frank Strasheim, acting OSHA regional administrator in Dallas. "Their outstanding efforts include maintaining an injury and illness rate 81 percent below the national average for their industry and participating in OSHA's VPP program for more than two decades."

The Corpus Christi plant employs about 165 workers and manufactures hydrofluorocarbons that are used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants and blowing agents such as insulation. The company, owned by Wilmington, Del.-based E.I. DuPont de Nemours Co. Inc., also produces and sells hydrogen chlorine as a by-product.

The Voluntary Protection Programs recognize and promote effective workplace safety and health management. More than 280 industries with about 1,400 work sites throughout the U.S have earned OSHA's highest recognition as participants in the VPP. Program participants typically achieve injury and illness rates more than 50 percent below their respective industry's average rates.

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships, and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.