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Last updated on Tuesday, October 13, 2015
(UNDATED) - Hoosier Energy’s Lawrence County and Worthington Generating facilities, operated by the NAES Corporation, have achieved certification in the Indiana Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) as a “STAR” site.
Indiana VPP sites are leaders in workplace safety and health and recognized for their success in proactively protecting Hoosier workers. Located in south central Indiana, the generating facilities are quick-starting natural gas fired power plants.
"Certification in VPP underscores the importance of placing an emphasis on employee safety and health," said Indiana Department of Labor (IDOL) Commissioner Rick J. Ruble. "This achievement is all-the-more significant given the tasks routinely performed by workers in the power generation industry," Ruble added.
To participate in VPP, a company must develop, implement and maintain an exemplary worker safety and health management system and complete a comprehensive workplace safety and health audit conducted by IDOL staff and safety professionals from a pool of Special Government Employees (SGEs). Additionally, the site's workplace injury and illness rates must be below the national industry average for its respective industry. To date, 75 Indiana workplaces have achieved VPP certification--with 73 of these sites achieving "STAR" certification.
Together, the two power plants employ seven Hoosier workers. Both sites have been successful at identifying and eliminating workplace safety and health hazards. The sites did not experience an OSHA recordable injury or illness in three of the last four calendar years and have never had a safety violation in either plant's history.
"The outstanding safety record at these plants demonstrates how Hoosier Energy focuses on executing a safe-by-choice culture every day," said Rob Horton, Vice President of Power Production for Hoosier Energy.
About the Indiana Department of Labor:
The mission of the Indiana Department of Labor is to advance the safety, health and prosperity of Hoosiers in the workplace. In order to make significant strides, we emphasize both enforcement and voluntary compliance by employers. Follow the Indiana Department of Labor on Twitter @INDeptofLabor and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IndianaDepartmentofLabor. www.in.gov/dol
About VPP:
The Voluntary Protection Program provides recognition to Hoosier employers that operate exemplary safety and health management systems. Certification in VPP is an achievement of status that will single employers out among their business peers as a model worksite for Hoosier workplace safety and health.
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