Small Aviation Company Lands Safety VPP Star Status
OSHA has designated Monsanto Aviation Inc. of Chesterfield, Mo., as a Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) star site, the agency's highest recognition for meeting or exceeding workplace safety and health standards. The company, which has 25 employees who operate and maintain four company aircraft, earned VPP star recognition following a comprehensive onsite evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health experts.
"Monsanto Aviation has gone above and beyond in establishing a culture of workplace safety," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City.
More than 2,160 worksites nationwide have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. Employers that have been accepted into VPP represent more than 270 industries. Requirements include a high degree of management commitment and employee involvement; a high-quality worksite analysis, hazard 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 program. VPP companies achieve average injury and illness rates 50 percent below the Bureau of Labor Statistics average for other companies in their respective industries. For more information about VPP, call OSHA's regional VPP manager at 816-283-8745 or visit www.osha.gov/vpp.