Simi Valley Post Office Bestowed Highest Safety Recognition by OSHA

Voluntary Protection Program “Star” Flag Flies at Facility June 11

SIMI VALLEY, CA — The Simi Valley Post Office, located at 2551 N. Galena Ave., has earned “Star” status in the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). The accomplishment will be recognized at a public ceremony on June 11, 2009, at 9:00 A.M., when a VPP Star flag will be raised for the first time in front of the facility. The Simi Valley Post Office joins an elite group of U.S. companies attaining VPP Star status and will proudly fly the VPP Star flag from that day forward, as it maintains its OSHA certification. Only six U.S. Postal Service facilities in California have earned this distinction.

“Management, employees and unions worked together diligently to achieve this honor,” said Simi Valley Postmaster Sue Morris. “Our goal is to perform our jobs safely and go home healthy each day. When we change our attitude about health and safety at work, it follows us home and spreads to our loved ones. Safety becomes a lifestyle.”

Statistical evidence shows VPP very effective. Over the past 20 years, the average VPP worksite has a 50% lower incidence of missed days and restricted work activity compared to the national average. Postal Service VPP work sites have experienced a reduction of injury and illness rates of up to 70% compared to before starting VPP.

OSHA created VPP in 1982 to recognize and partner with worksites that go beyond OSHA standards and implement exemplary systems to manage worker safety and health. Participating worksites can attain either Merit or Star status during an OSHA on-site inspection. Merit demonstrates potential but still needing improvement, while Star status meets all VPP requirements.