Region 3 News Release: 10-1522-PHI (osha 10-215)
Nov. 17, 2010
Contact: Joanna Hawkins Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5101 215-861-5102
E-mail: hawkins.joanna@dol.gov
uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA certifies Chevron Energy Solutions utility
plant in Fort Detrick, Md., as 'star' site for workplace safety and health

FORT DETRICK, Md. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has certified Chevron Energy Solutions Fort Detrick Central Utility Plant in Fort Detrick as a "star" site, the highest honor in its Voluntary Protection Programs.

OSHA VPP Program Officer Teresa Penn attended the ceremony held yesterday at the plant. "Chevron Energy Solutions' commitment to a safe and healthful work environment for employees makes it most deserving of this honor," said Penn.

The company's utility plant at Fort Detrick supplies steam, chilled water, conditioned electric power and back-up electrical power to the National Interagency Biodefense Campus.

The Voluntary Protection Programs recognize employers and workers in private industry and federal agencies that have implemented effective safety and health management systems, and maintain injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for their respective industries. In VPP, management, labor and OSHA work cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses through hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, training, management commitment and worker involvement. To participate, an employer must submit an application to OSHA and undergo a rigorous on-site evaluation by a team of safety and health professionals. Union support is required for applicants represented by a bargaining unit. VPP participants are re-evaluated every three to five years to remain in the programs. VPP participants are exempt from OSHA programmed inspections while they maintain their VPP status. For information on VPP and other cooperative programs, visit: http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_assistance/index_programs.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 assure 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 releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department 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 http://www.dol.gov/compliance.