OSHA Stamps Connecticut Post Office with VPP 'Star'
The U.S. Postal Service's Wallingford, Conn., post office has achieved "star" status in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs, which the agency says recognizes worksites that are committed to effective employee protection beyond the requirements of OSHA standards and encourages cooperative relationships among labor, management, unions and government.
"Employees and management at the Wallingford facility take a proactive approach to safety and health, so they can identify and remove work-related hazards before they harm employees," said Marthe Kent, OSHA's regional administrator for New England. "This mutual commitment to safety and health through the VPP can pay dividends in fewer injuries and illnesses, improved productivity and heightened morale."
The Wallingford facility has 98 employees who are represented by the American Postal Workers Union and the National Association of Letter Carriers. It was awarded its star designation after an OSHA team's week-long onsite review, which included interviews with employees and a complete tour of the worksite. The team found the site's safety and health programs consistent with the high quality expected of VPP participants, OSHA said. The Wallingford facility is now one of 1,945 worksites in 270 industries nationwide that have earned entry into the VPP. Sixteen other Connecticut worksites, including the Danbury post office, are currently in the program.