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OSHA News Release -
Kansas City
Region
Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.
Region 7 News Release: 08-853-KAN
Date: June 25, 2008
Contact: Brad Mitchell or Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976
U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA recognizes Monsanto's Central Plains Crop Technology Center for safety and health excellence
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Monsanto Co.'s Central Plains Crop Technology Center in Wichita, Kan., has earned membership at the "star," or highest, level in the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration's prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).
"Monsanto's Central Plains Crop Technology Center has demonstrated excellence in its comprehensive safety and health management," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City. "Its outstanding efforts have included management commitment to safety and health, and employee involvement in safety and health programs."
The center's 15 employees conduct field crop research and seed processing. The facility serves as a hub for a testing network in Kansas that performs plant evaluations, analytics and yield potential of new products. Established in 1965, it has operated as Monsanto's Central Plains Crop Technology Center since 2002.
More than 1,950 worksites nationwide have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. Requirements include a high degree of management support and employee involvement; a high-quality worksite hazard analysis, prevention and control program; and comprehensive safety and health training for all employees. Each of these elements must be effective, in place and in operation for at least one year before a company can apply to join the VPP. Companies in the VPP achieve average injury rates 50 percent lower than other companies in their respective industries.
Information kits about the VPP application and approval processes are available from OSHA's VPP manager at the agency's Kansas City Regional Office; telephone 816-283-8745.
OSHA has improved workplace safety and health over the past 37 years. This success is reflected in the latest data (2006) showing the lowest national injury and illness incidence rate that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has ever recorded. OSHA will continue to work diligently to focus its resources where they will have the most impact in assuring that every working man and woman returns home safely every day.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote 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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