OSHA Recognizes Pair of Colo. Companies for Excellence in Job Safety and Health

The U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc. and Sanmina-SCI for high achievement in their employee safety and health programs.

Both Honeywell’s Research and Development Center and Sanmina-SCI, a printed circuit board manufacturer, were designated as “Merit” sites in OSHA’s prestigious Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). Merit sites meet all safety and health elements for the program, which far exceed minimum OSHA standards. The two Colorado Springs businesses now join an elite corps of about 1,180 workplaces nationwide that have earned VPP recognition.

“These awards highlight the commitments to employee workplace safety and health demonstrated by Sanmina-SCI and Honeywell Techology Solutions,” said Greg Baxter, OSHA regional administrator in Denver. Baxter and Bob Glover, OSHA assistant regional administrator, presented a VPP flags and plaques to the two companies in recent ceremonies.

Each company has reportedly taken positive steps to make their worksites safer and more healthful. Honeywell Technology Solutions is taking a comprehensive approach to analyzing near miss incidents and provides workers with ready access to safety and health information on an internal Web page. Sanmina-SCI has achieved more than a 50 percent reduction in its injury rate since 2001 by addressing such hazards as ergonomic injuries.

VPP offers employers an opportunity to move beyond traditional safety programs by recognizing participants that successfully incorporate comprehensive safety and health programs into their total management systems. The VPP program is open to deserving employers in any industry.

Requirements for application to VPP include a high degree of management support and employee involvement, a high-quality worksite hazard analysis, prevention and control programs 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 applying to join the program.