May 17--Nine of the 37 companies in Alabama that received OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs Star designation are located in Decatur, more than any other city in Alabama.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Programs partner with management, employees, and employee representatives at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive, successful safety and health management system.

The VPP Star companies in Decatur are: 3M Decatur Film Operation; 3M Decatur Materials Operation; BE&K Industrial Services at BP America Inc.; BP America Inc., Decatur Works; Calpine Corp.; General Electric; International Paper; Solutia; and Toray Fluorofibers (America) Inc.

Also, OSHA has recommended Nucor Corp. for VPP Star status.

VPP sites surpass OSHA requirements. Companies in the Star Program have achieved injury and illness rates at or below the national average of their industries.

Because OSHA deems them as self-sufficient in their ability to control workplace hazards, OSHA removes participants from programmed inspection lists and does not issue citations for customary violations that are promptly corrected. Official recognition

Approval into VPP is OSHA's official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health.

"Having nine companies receive the VPP Star designation is testament to the safety culture here in Morgan County," said Mary Ila Ward, vice president of Morgan County Economic Development Association. "It shows Morgan County's industries value the health of their employees and are committed to perfecting their companies' safety practices."

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