Region 3 News Release: 11-382-PHI (osha 11-025)
April 6, 2011
Contact: Joanna Hawkins Leni Uddyback-Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5101 215-861-5102
E-mail: hawkins.joanna@dol.gov uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA recognizes Bethlehem, Pa.-based
Milliken Valve for exceptional workplace safety and health

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has recognized the employees and management of Milliken Valve Co. in Bethlehem for excellence in the company's employee safety and health program. The Milliken Valve facility has been designated as a "star" site, the highest honor in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs.

"Milliken Valve's dedication to ensuring a safe workplace for its employees makes it most deserving of this honor," said OSHA Deputy Regional Administrator Edward Selker, who attended today's ceremony at the Bethlehem facility and presented the company with a plaque and flag.

Milliken Valve manufactures plug, butterfly and check valves, and the valves' controls and actuators. These valves are used primarily in the water, wastewater and industrial markets.

The Voluntary Protection Programs recognize private and federal work sites with effective safety and health management systems that have maintained injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages. Management, labor and OSHA work cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses through a system focused on hazard prevention and control, work site analysis and training. Union support is required for applicant work sites where employees are represented by a bargaining unit. Participating work sites are exempt from OSHA programmed inspections while they maintain their VPP status. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/index.html.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.