MSA becomes OSHA's Latest Safety & Health 'Star'
OSHA on Friday certified Pittsburgh-headquartered Mine Safety Appliances' facility in Cranberry, Pa., at the "star," or highest level, in its Voluntary Protection Programs. During a ceremony at the facility, Robert Szymanski, director of OSHA's Pittsburgh Area Office, presented a VPP star flag and extolled the company's achievements.
"Safety and health is a high priority to MSA management and employees," said Szymanski. "The company has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to employee safety and health, and has maintained an injury and illness rate 51 percent below the industry average."
MSA manufactures and supplies safety products such as self-contained breathing apparatus accessories, military integrated communication headsets, and custom application systems to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The Cranberry facility has 458 employees.
Designed for worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health programs, the VPP is open to all industries and to employers with injury rates below their respective industries' national averages. More than 1,950 worksites nationwide have earned entry into the OSHA programs. Over the years, VPP has proven to be an effective means of reducing injuries, illnesses, fatalities and costs, while fostering a more productive workforce and increasing employee morale, the agency says.