OSHA honors Wheelabrator plant in Massachusetts

The Wheelabrator Millbury Inc. waste-to-energy plant in Millbury, Mass., has been recertified for an additional five-year membership at the "Star," or highest level, of the prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

"Employees and management at the Millbury plant are to be commended for their ongoing and effective commitment to minimizing hazards, and maximizing safety and health," said Marthe Kent, OSHA's regional administrator for New England. "Their efforts have resulted in injury and illness rates well below the industry average."

The Millbury facility, which employs 50 people, first achieved star status in July 2004. Its renewal came after an OSHA team's on-site review, which included interviews with employees and a complete tour of the worksite, found the plant's safety and health programs consistent with the high quality expected of VPP participants.

The VPP recognizes worksites that are committed to effective employee protection beyond the requirements of OSHA standards and encourages cooperative relationships among labor, management, unions and government.

Through the VPP, employers and employees have experienced significant decreases in fatalities, injuries and illnesses; associated cost reductions including lowered workers' compensation expenses; positive changes in company culture and attitudes toward safety and health; and average injury rates 50 percent lower than other companies in their respective industries.

The Middlebury plant is one of more than 1,920 worksites in 270 industries nationwide, including seven Wheelabrator sites in New England, that have earned entry into the VPP. The VPP is open to deserving employers in any industry.