GE facility in Texas receives OSHA Star recognition

GE Engine Services McAllen L.P. has earned membership at the "Star," or highest level, in the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). A recognition ceremony was held recently at the company's facility on South 42nd Street in McAllen, Texas.

"GE Engine Services McAllen has demonstrated excellence in effective safety and health management," said OSHA regional administrator Dean W. McDaniel in Dallas. "This facility's outstanding efforts include maintaining an injury and illness rate 63 percent below the national average for the industry."

GE Engine Services McAllen employs 367 employees with nine contract employees at the McAllen location. The site repairs and restores aircraft engine turbine components. GE Engine Services is a business unit of Cincinnati, Ohio-based GE Aviation.

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 at least 50 percent lower than other companies in their respective industries.