MIOSHA Recognizes Cintas Westland Facility with MVPP Star Award
The recognition highlights the role of comprehensive safety management systems, employee engagement, and proactive hazard control in reducing injuries and strengthening workplace safety performance.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Apr 02, 2026
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has awarded Cintas Corporation’s K15 facility in Westland the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) Star Award, the agency’s highest recognition for workplace safety and health.
The MVPP recognizes employers that go beyond regulatory compliance by implementing comprehensive safety and health management systems designed to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Participating sites demonstrate strong leadership commitment, active employee involvement, and a proactive approach to identifying and controlling hazards.
“MVPP represents the highest level of recognition for workplace safety and health in Michigan,” said Kristin Osterkamp, On-Site Safety and Health Program Manager for MIOSHA’s Consultation Education and Training Division. “This program is about building a culture where safety is part of everyday operations and employees are actively engaged in protecting themselves and their coworkers.”
Cintas K15 earned the designation following a comprehensive evaluation that included a program review, onsite assessment, and employee interviews. The Westland facility employs 95 workers and provides contamination control, garment processing, and distribution services to industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and electronics.
According to MIOSHA, only 29 worksites statewide currently hold MVPP Star status. The program emphasizes continuous improvement through a partnership between employers and the agency, with participating sites serving as models for effective safety and health management systems.
Cintas has multiple MVPP Star sites across Michigan and more than 140 Voluntary Protection Program Star sites nationwide, reflecting the company’s broader commitment to workplace safety.
MIOSHA established the MVPP in 1996 to recognize employers with safety and health programs that exceed regulatory requirements. To qualify, employers must maintain injury and illness rates below industry averages and demonstrate that safety systems are fully integrated into daily operations.
The agency encourages employers across industries to explore participation in the program as part of efforts to strengthen workplace safety and health.
More information about the MVPP is available at Michigan.gov/MVPP.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.