Grants Pass, Ore. — The Grants Pass, Ore., manufacturing facility of Duro-Last, Inc. recently received a renewal on its Star Site status from the Occupational Safety & Health Organization’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), earning an exemplary “A” rating. Originally awarded Star Site status in 2016, this renewal recognizes Duro-Last’s continued commitment to the highest standards of workplace safety.
OSHA’s VPP program is designed to recognize employers and workers who have implemented effective safety and health management systems, as well as maintain injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for their respective industries. In VPP programs, management, labor and OSHA work cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses through a system focused on hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, training and management commitment and worker involvement.
Facilities can qualify for one of three VPP programs: Demonstration, Merit and Star. As the highest level of recognition awarded by VPP, the Star program recognizes exemplary worksites that have developed successful safety and health management systems. These sites are self-sufficient in their ability to control workplace hazards and are reevaluated every 3 to 5 years.
“Our Grants Pass team is made up of some of the most dedicated people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with,” says Tim Hart, vice president of western operations. “They take ownership of their safety, and their investment and enthusiasm have been a model for safe operations throughout our entire organization nationwide.”
The application and renewal process for OSHA’s VPP programs requires an extensive evaluation of the site, operations and health and safety programs. The on-site assessment requires a review of records, logs and inspection history, as well as meetings with management staff and employees, a walk-through of the facility to determine hazards and precautions, formal and informal interviews, and a closing meeting to discuss findings and recommendations.
“We are proud of the work put into the successful renewal of our VPP Star Site status in Grants Pass,” says Michael Matthews, corporate safety director. “We are currently leveraging what we learned from this process and from the dedicated Oregon OSHA team to implement VPP status at each of our manufacturing facilities across the country.”
Duro-Last®, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of custom-fabricated, thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems. Duro-Last’s roofing systems are sustainable and durable. Over 2 billion square feet of Duro-Last membrane has been installed throughout North America. Duro-Last is headquartered in Saginaw, Mich., with additional manufacturing facilities in Grants Pass, Ore.; Jackson, Miss.; Sigourney, Iowa; Carrollton, Texas; and Ludlow, Mass. For more information, visit www.duro-last.com.
SOURCE: Duro-Last®, Inc.