NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.
OSHA News Brief
Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.
News Brief
July 17, 2007
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: (202) 693-1999
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a new case study that shows how Ritrama, a signatory of the Graphic Arts Coalition alliance, realized lower workers' compensation premiums and higher productivity and quality after implementing a comprehensive safety and health program.
"Ritrama's success is a good example of what can happen when management and employees dedicate themselves to workplace safety and health," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "While the benefits from Ritrama's new safety and health program have occurred throughout the company, the company has reduced their workers' compensation premiums by $44,000, increased sales by 7.5 percent and have reduced the costs of manufacturing defects and waste by more than $2 million."
In a company memorandum thanking Ritrama employees, Safety Director Mike Conklin wrote, "Our safety programs are not given 'lip service.' Safety is part of our culture, and we have had measurable results over the past 5 years."
Ritrama, a multi-national corporation, manufactures pressure-sensitive films and labels for the automotive, beverage, health, beauty, and pharmaceutical industries. In an effort to significantly improve its safety and health performance at the company's manufacturing plant in Minneapolis, Minn., Ritrama designed and implemented a program to educate employees, managers and supervisors about safe work practices and procedures. The case study, "Ritrama Invests in Safety and Improves its Bottom Line," details Ritrama's efforts to protect employee safety and health while also benefiting from higher productivity and an improved bottom line.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 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 working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.
July 17, 2007
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: (202) 693-1999
New OSHA case study highlights benefits of comprehensive safety and health program
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a new case study that shows how Ritrama, a signatory of the Graphic Arts Coalition alliance, realized lower workers' compensation premiums and higher productivity and quality after implementing a comprehensive safety and health program.
"Ritrama's success is a good example of what can happen when management and employees dedicate themselves to workplace safety and health," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "While the benefits from Ritrama's new safety and health program have occurred throughout the company, the company has reduced their workers' compensation premiums by $44,000, increased sales by 7.5 percent and have reduced the costs of manufacturing defects and waste by more than $2 million."
In a company memorandum thanking Ritrama employees, Safety Director Mike Conklin wrote, "Our safety programs are not given 'lip service.' Safety is part of our culture, and we have had measurable results over the past 5 years."
Ritrama, a multi-national corporation, manufactures pressure-sensitive films and labels for the automotive, beverage, health, beauty, and pharmaceutical industries. In an effort to significantly improve its safety and health performance at the company's manufacturing plant in Minneapolis, Minn., Ritrama designed and implemented a program to educate employees, managers and supervisors about safe work practices and procedures. The case study, "Ritrama Invests in Safety and Improves its Bottom Line," details Ritrama's efforts to protect employee safety and health while also benefiting from higher productivity and an improved bottom line.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 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 working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.