US Postal Service’s Juneau Mendenhall Post Office is the newest Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) member. The site was approved and qualified by OSHA as a star, the highest level of all three programs. Richard S. Terrill, OSHA Regional Administrator in Seattle, stated that Juneau Mendenhall Post Office has an injury and illness rate less than 86% below the national average for the postal industry.

The site’s primary work includes collection, sorting, delivery and distribution of US domestic and foreign mail. With a limited automated mail sorting capability and an average daily mail delivery volume of more than 33,000 pieces Juneau Mendenhall Post Office runs a 24 hour operation.

The star designation was given after the September 2008 onsite review of the facilities safety and health programs, employee interviews and a complete worksite tour.

Statistics shows that average VPP worksite has a Days Away Restricted or Transferred (DART) case rate of 52% below the average for its industry. As a result employers would benefit as workers’ premiums dramatically decreases due to fewer illnesses and injuries.

Companies can be recognized and be a part of OSHA’s VPP they just need to have all these elements in place and in operation for at least one year before they can apply to join the VPP

Requirements:
• High degree of management commitment and employee involvement
• High quality worksite analysis
• Hazard prevention and control program
• Comprehensive safety and health training for all employees