Butterball plant earns OSHA Star for safety prowess

Butterball LLC in Carthage, Mo., has earned membership in the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) at the "Star," or highest, level.

"Butterball has exhibited excellence in safety and health management," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City. "The company's outstanding efforts have included management commitment to safety and health and employee involvement in safety and health programs."

Butterball has 790 employees who slaughter and process poultry.

OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs recognize and promote effective workplace safety and health management. Companies in the VPP achieve average injury rates at least 50 percent lower than other companies in their respective industries. Approximately 1,700 worksites representing more than 200 industries nationwide participate in the program.