Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Achieves OSHA Recognition

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Achieves OSHA Recognition Ceremony To Be Held March 25 in Kittery, Maine

BOSTON -- The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, has earned membership in the prestigious "Star" Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A recognition ceremony is scheduled for Friday, March 25 at the shipyard.

"The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has done an excellent job of safety and health management," said New England OSHA Regional Administrator Marthe Kent. "Of particular note is the participation of top level management in the shipyard's systems for protecting employees, as well as impressive levels of employee training and involvement."

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employs approximately 4,300 workers in the highly complex, industrial business of overhauling, repairing, modernizing and refueling Los Angeles Class nuclear powered submarines. In addition to an exemplary safety and health management system, the facility has an injury and illness case rate approximately 33 percent below the national average for its industry. It is the first Navy facility to achieve "Star" VPP status.

The VPP recognizes and promotes effective workplace safety and health management. Companies in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs achieve average injury rates significantly lower than other companies in their industry. From coast to coast, approximately 1,230 work sites representing more than 200 industries participate in the programs.

Information kits about the application and approval process are available from the VPP manager at the OSHA regional office in Boston at 617-565-9860.

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. The role of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships, and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit osha.gov.

Event: "Star" Voluntary Protection Program Ceremony
Presented by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Date and Time: Friday, March 25, 2005; 11:00 a.m.
Location: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine
Contact: John M. Chavez 617-565-2075 ###