OSHA News Brief
December 13, 2022
US Department of Labor recognizes Molson Coors Beverage Company USA LLC as exemplary for workplace safety, health excellence
Power Montana Barley Elevator earns OSHA Star safety distinction
Participant: Molson Coors Beverage Company USA LLC, Power, Montana
Description: The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has recognized Molson Coors Beverage Company USA's Power Montana Barley Elevator as a Star site for workplace safety and health excellence as part of the agency's Voluntary Protection Program. The Power, Montana site was recognized for maintaining an exemplary safety and health culture supported by excellent levels of management commitment and employee engagement, including a focus on dust control and housekeeping practices. Additionally, employees can use an app on their smart devices to conduct site inspections, review programs and report hazards, among other safety-related activities. The site also has a comprehensive and effective lockout-tagout procedure. Non-entry bin sweeps, process logic controls and belt sensors are also some of the many engineering controls in use at the site to safely manage the operation.
Duration: OSHA announced the Star designation for workplace safety and health excellence following an evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health experts. A Star site designation is the highest level of recognition the agency's Voluntary Protection Program offers. The site was initially approved for the VPP in 2019 for a three-year period. Molson Coors now has seven grain elevators participating in the OSHA program, including at sites in Burley, Idaho; Huntley, Montana; Worland, Wyoming; and in Longmont, Monte Vista and Golden, Colorado.
Background: OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs recognize and promote effective worksite-based safety and health management systems. In VPP, management, labor and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented comprehensive safety and health management systems. VPP approval is OSHA's official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have created exemplary worksite safety and health management systems.
Quote: “Molson Coors's Power Montana Barley Elevator represents an excellent example of employee safety and health practices for the grain handling industry,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Jennifer S. Rous in Denver. “This industry has many inherent hazards, but Molson Coors has shown these workplaces do not have to settle for being dangerous places to work. Their sincere commitment and leadership are exemplary.”
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Media Contacts:
Michael Petersen, 415-625-2630, petersen.michael.w@dol.gov
Jose Carnevali, 415-625-2631, carnevali.jose@dol.gov
Release Number: 22-2328-MON