Aerospace and Aviation, Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles

United Airlines, Inc. has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite

RICHMOND, Va. -- United Airlines, Inc. in Dulles, VA, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

United Airlines Airport Operations at Dulles International Airport is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition.

United Airlines Airport Operations at Dulles is an "above the wing" (ATW) customer service and "below the wing" (BTW) ramp, baggage handling, and aircraft fueling operation. Daily there are approximately 36 international flights and 180 domestic flights that originate or connect at the Dulles United hub. The fleet of aircraft range from intercontinental wide-bodied jets for international destinations to smaller commuter jet airplanes for domestic commuter service.

Currently, this site has approximately 1,713 full-time employees (121 salaried/1592 hourly) with approximately 1,063 contract workers. Employees are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Capital Air Lodge 1759.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs. For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high-hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh-programs/consultation/on-site-visit-request/

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Free News Articles, Government

Tenaska Virginia Generating Station has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite

RICHMOND, Va. -- Tenaska Virginia Generating Station in Scottsville, VA, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Tenaska Virginia Generating Station is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition in Virginia. The 1,000-megawatt power plant commenced commercial production of electricity in 2004 and is a combined cycle fossil fuel electricity generation power plant utilizing three GE 7FA Gas Turbines and one GE D11 Steam Turbine located on 559 acres with 39 acres developed that is continuously operated with a total of 29 employees.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs. For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high-hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh-programs/consultation/on-site-visit-request/

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Free News Articles, Government

International Paper-Richmond Container has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite

RICHMOND, Va. -- International Paper-Richmond Container in Richmond, VA, has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

International Paper-Richmond Container is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition in Virginia. There are 110 employees with the hourly employees being represented by the United Steelworkers Union Local 08-694. The 200,000-square-foot facility currently manufactures single, double, and triple-walled corrugated "bulk" boxes used in a variety of agricultural, chemical, and dry goods industries.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs. For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high-hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh-programs/consultation/on-site-visit-request/

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Free News Articles, Manufacturing

Huber Engineered Woods, LLC., has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite

RICHMOND, Va. -- Huber Engineered Woods, LLC., in Crystal Hill, Virginia has been recertified as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). This is the site's 4th recertification since originally being certified on July 13, 2006.

Huber Engineered Woods, LLC., in Crystal Hill, Virginia is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition. The site produces Oriented Strand Board (OSB) in various thicknesses and product lines. The major operations at this site include timber receiving, resin receiving and storage, debarking, flaking, flake drying, screening, resin, flake blending, mat-forming, board pressing, trimming, grading, sanding, packaging, and loading for outbound shipment. Currently, there are approximately 157 full-time employees (37 salaried/120 hourly) at this site with 3 contract workers. The facility is sited on 978 acres and began production in 1995.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs. For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles, Government

Engineering Development Laboratory, Inc. Receives the Virginia ‘Sharp’ Designation Under the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program

RICHMOND, Va. -- Commissioner Gary G. Pan announced today that the Engineering Development Laboratory, Inc. (EDLI) in Newport News, Virginia, has been certified as a Virginia SHARP Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems for small businesses.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of Engineering Development Laboratory, Inc. employees and management. I commend EDLI for embracing the cooperative spirit of SHARP, and congratulate them on their hard earned certification as a Virginia SHARP Worksite," said Commissioner Pan.

Engineering Development Laboratory, Inc.'s commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its low injury and illness rates. The Ashland facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 0.0 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 1.2, representing a TCIR rate 100% lower than the national average for the industry. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is 0.0, compared with the 0.6 national rate, which is 100% below the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving Virginia SHARP status, the worksite is entitled to fly the Virginia "SHARP Worksite" flag. The process for reaching Virginia SHARP status is extensive to ensure that only the very best companies qualify. Currently, there are only 12 Virginia SHARP sites in the state. Engineering Development Laboratory, Inc site has set a standard of excellence that is second to none. They have participated in SHARP since 1998 and have not had a recordable incident in ten years.

Virginia businesses that participate in SHARP substantially improve safety and health protection for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. SHARP worksites regularly report decreased bottom-line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of approximately 50% below the respective industry average) and improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private-sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high-hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/vosh-programs/consultation/on-site-visit-request/

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles, Government

Innovative Refrigeration Systems Receives The Virginia ‘Sharp’ Designation Under The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program

RICHMOND, Va. -- Commissioner Gary G. Pan announced today that the Innovative Refrigeration Systems in Lyndhurst, Virginia, has been certified as a Virginia SHARP Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems for small businesses.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of Innovative Refrigeration Systems employees and management. I commend Innovative Refrigeration Systems for embracing the cooperative spirit of SHARP, and congratulate them on their hard earned certification as a Virginia SHARP Worksite," said Commissioner Pan.

Innovative Refrigeration Systems' commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its low injury and illness rates. The Lyndhurst facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 1.46 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 2.7, representing a TCIR rate 46% lower than the national average for the industry. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is 0.36, compared with the 1.5 national rate, which is 76% below the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving Virginia SHARP status, the worksite is entitled to fly the Virginia "SHARP Worksite" flag. The process for reaching Virginia SHARP status is extensive to ensure that only the very best companies qualify. Currently, there are only 12 Virginia SHARP sites in the state. Innovative Refrigeration Systems site has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

Virginia businesses that participate in SHARP substantially improve safety and health protection for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. SHARP worksites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of approximately 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs.

Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/about/doli-offices-statewide/ or by contacting Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707, or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources. Learn more: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles, Government

Cintas Location #391 reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)

RICHMOND, Va. -- Cintas Corporation Location #391 (Portsmouth, Va.) is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition in Virginia. This facility provides uniform programs and provides facility services such as; entrance mats, restroom cleaning, and restroom supplies for businesses in the greater Hampton Roads area. 141 employees work at a 100,000-square-foot facility that began production under the Cintas name in 2002.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs.

For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources. Learn more: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Free News Articles, Government

VOSH Increases efforts to help employers prevent workplace fatalities

RICHMOND, Va. -- The Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is enhancing its efforts to protect workers and reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the state after a sudden rise in workplace deaths.

These efforts will address hazardous conditions that workers continuously face every day. Through coordinated outreach, education efforts and on-site inspections, VOSH is determined to identify hazardous workplace conditions and hold industry employers accountable for providing a safe and healthful workplace free from injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

So far in 2022, the agency has investigated 30 workplace fatalities, an alarming increase over years past. To help combat a further rise in these deaths, employers are encouraged to take advantage of the agency's free Consultation Services. These services are state/federally grant funded so there is no cost to the employer.

Employers who make use of these services can better understand and comply with the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) standards. Consultation services can provide employers with the ability to identify and correct potential safety and health hazards in the workplace, reduce workplace injuries and illnesses, reduce worker's compensation costs, and strengthen your workplace safety and health program.

For more information, please visit https://www.doli.virginia.gov/ or call 1-804-371-2327.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Aerospace and Aviation, Business, Free News Articles, Government

Virginia Department of Labor and Industry recognizes Lockheed Martin for exceptional safety and health practices

RICHMOND, Va. -- Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems in Manassas, Virginia has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Lockheed Martin's Manassas facility is one of 37 STAR public and private sector worksites recognized by VOSH. The company is primarily engaged in the development of limited production and prototype sensors, navigation, and surveillance hardware and software for defense and security agencies. There are 1,241 full-time employees at the 1,200,000 square feet workspace located on a 176-acre site. This site is the only Lockheed Martin VPP STAR worksite in Virginia and one of five Lockheed Martin VPP STAR participants in the nation.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs. For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

Learn more at: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles

BC Wood Products in Ashland Receives Virginia SHARP Designation Under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program

RICHMOND, Va. -- Commissioner Gary G. Pan announced today that the BC Wood Products in Ashland, Virginia, has been certified as a Virginia SHARP Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), the agency's highest level of recognition for excellence in safety and health management systems for small businesses.

"This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of BC Wood Products employees and management. I commend BC Wood Products for embracing the cooperative spirit of the SHARP program, and congratulate them on their hard-earned certification as a Virginia SHARP Worksite," said Commissioner Pan.

BC Wood Products commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees is demonstrated by its low injury and illness rates. The Ashland facility has a total three-year average for the TCIR (Total Case Incident Rate for injuries and illnesses) of 1.5 compared with a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national rate of 5.1, representing a TCIR rate 71% lower than the national average for the industry. The site's three-year average DART rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred injury and illness cases) is .9, compared with the 3.5 national rate, which is 72% below the national average for the industry.

As part of the recognition for achieving Virginia SHARP status, the worksite is entitled to fly the Virginia "SHARP Worksite" flag. The process for reaching Virginia SHARP status is extensive to ensure that only the very best companies qualify. Currently, there are only 14 Virginia SHARP sites in the state. BC Wood Products site has set a standard of excellence that is second to none.

Virginia businesses that participate in SHARP substantially improve safety and health protection for thousands of Virginia employees through cooperative efforts to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents. SHARP worksites regularly report decreased bottom line costs associated with dramatically reduced injury and illness rates (an average of approximately 50% below the respective industry average), and improved productivity and employee morale. Reducing private sector employer costs associated with injuries, illnesses, and fatal accidents enhances a company's economic viability and competitiveness, and increases available capital for reinvestment, expansion, and new hiring.

DOLI operates six recognition programs. These include:

1. Virginia STAR is a cooperative relationship between the VOSH program, the employer, and the employees that include the agreement of company leaders to operate exceptional safety and health management systems that meet a rigorous set of occupational safety and health criteria. Participating employers agree to voluntarily participate in the program and to directly involve employees in all aspects of the company's safety and health management systems. Requirements include an extensive application process, submission of written safety and health policies and procedures, demonstration of successful implementation of those programs through injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the employer's industry, and an intensive weeklong inspection by a team of VPP experts.

2. Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health and Training) is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) that recognizes AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.

3. Virginia BUILT is a new strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia (ABCVA) and is designed to encourage and recognize ABC-VA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia. The Virginia BUILT program incorporates the ABC STEP program (Safety Training Evaluation Process) as the gateway to participation in Virginia BUILT.

4. Virginia CHALLENGE is a formal three stage recognition program that dramatically improves safety and health at the worksite and prepares the company to apply for Virginia STAR recognition.

5. VOSH-VADOC CHALLENGE is a strategic partnership between the DOLI and the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) to recognize safety and health excellence at correctional facilities around the Commonwealth. Three stages of participation in VADOC Challenge prepare a site to apply for Virginia STAR recognition. Virginia has the only two correctional facilities in the nation to have received VPP STAR status, Augusta and Lunenburg Correctional Centers. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or contact Milford Stern, VPP Manager, at (540) 562-3580, ext. 123, or Milford.Stern@doli.virginia.gov.

6. The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes businesses of 250 employees or fewer and is administered by the DOLI Consultative Services Division. Contact Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707 or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

DOLI also offers free On-Site Consultation Services to help employers better understand and voluntarily comply with VOSH standards. Priority is given to high hazard workplaces with 250 or fewer employees and all services are offered to employers at no cost. On-Site Consultation Services helps employers identify and correct potential safety and health hazards by conducting walk-through surveys (without citations or penalties), abatement advice, on-site training, and program assistance to develop safety and health programs. Additional information about On-Site Consultation Services can be obtained by contacting the DOLI office closest to you at www.doli.virginia.gov or by contacting Tracy Michaud, Consultation Program Manager, at (804) 786-8707, or tracy.michaud@doli.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of $4,332,400 federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

The Virginia On-Site Consultation Cooperative Agreement program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The FFY21 Virginia Consultation program is funded by a grant of $1,189,200 federal funds, which constitutes 90% of the Virginia Consultation program budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the Virginia Consultation budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022