Nucor Mills Volunteer to Implement Even Tougher Safety Programs.
Nucor Steel - Hertford
In 2006, Nucor Hertford became the company's first mill to successfully complete OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program.
Because the best safety record is zero incidents and accidents, six of our divisions have already become certified under OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) or similar state-run programs for facilities that implement outstanding health and safety programs. And ten more divisions are pursing it.
Created in 1982 to recognize and partner with worksites that implement exemplary safety and health systems, VPP emphasizes management accountability for worker safety and health, continual identification and elimination of hazards and the active involvement of employees in their own protection.
VPP also places significant reliance on the establishment of a relationship between the workplace and OSHA based on trust and cooperation. As a result, companies like Nucor show their commitment by inviting government regulators into their workplace for inspections of safety procedures in place, as well as for open dialog with employees.
According to Donovan Marks, Director, Benefits and Compensation, "OSHA's VPP puts a workplace through a very intense audit. The process takes two to three years depending how far along the current safety program is. Ultimately, VPP recognizes the commitment of employees to work safe and highlights the programs and procedures that make our workplace safer."
The foremost beneficiaries of VPP are Nucor workers who, at day's end, arrive home safe and healthy to their families. But there's also a benefit for Nucor as well: a safer workplace means healthier and more productive employees along with greater profits as workers' compensations, premiums and other costs plummet.
As to the effectiveness of the program, the average VPP worksite has a recordable incidence rate for days away from work, restricted work activity and/or job transfer rate at 52 percent below the national average for its particular industry.