OSHA NEWS
Region 7 News Release: OSHA 09-63-KANJan. 23, 2009
Contact: Jeremy Eggers
Phone: 303-844-1299
OSHA recognizes Falewitch Construction Services Inc. of La Vista, Neb., for achievements in workplace safety and health
LA VISTA, Neb. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has designated Falewitch Construction Services Inc. in La Vista as a Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Mobile Workforce Demonstration star site, the department's highest recognition for meeting or exceeding workplace safety and health standards.
Falewitch Construction Services, which has more than 100 employees in La Vista, earned star site status following a comprehensive onsite evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health experts.
"From the top down, Falewitch Construction Services has displayed outstanding efforts in implementing a comprehensive safety and health management system," said Charles Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "The company is an exemplar of workplace safety."
Falewitch provides construction services related to interior/exterior metal framing, sheetrock, acoustical ceilings, operable walls and computer floors.
For more information about the VPP, call OSHA's regional VPP manager at 816-283-8745 or visit http://www.osha.gov/vpp.
More than 2,160 worksites nationwide have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. Employers that have been accepted into the 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 VPP. Companies in the VPP achieve average injury and illness rates 50 percent below the Bureau of Labor Statistics average for other companies in their respective industries.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
