The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has approved the Dow Chemical Company as a member of their VPP Corporate Pilot. VPP Corporate Pilot helps to streamline the application and onsite evaluation processes for organizations that have made a commitment to the Voluntary Protection Programs.
"OSHA recognizes the Dow Chemical Company as a safety leader," said OSHA administrator Edwin G. Foulke. "Dow has been an advocate for workplace safety and health and has continually worked with us through the Alliance Program and VPP. The company has demonstrated the exceptional management standards required for induction in the VPP Corporate Pilot. We congratulate them on their continuing hard work, and are pleased to welcome them to the effort."
"At Dow, safety is intrinsic to our culture," said David Kepler, senior vice president, Shared Services, Environment, Health and Safety and chief information officer. "Our health and safety programs are a source of company pride. For example, in 1996 we set a goal to reduce injuries and illnesses by 90 percent. By the end of 2005 we had achieved an 84 percent reduction - which translates to nearly 13,000 people not getting hurt. We are honored to be recognized by OSHA for our efforts, and agree that being approved into the VPP Corporate Pilot will serve to further enhance our already strong working relationship."
Dow was accepted following a comprehensive review of their safety and health management systems by the VPP Corporate Onsite Team. OSHA's program evaluation identified Dow's process safety management (PSM) program, as well as its internal and external awareness of safety and health goals and results, as particular areas of excellence. Dow becomes the fourth organization to be inducted into the VPP Corporate Pilot, joining Georgia-Pacific, International Paper, and the U.S. Postal Service.
Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. It employs 42,000 people worldwide.
