Airplane components plant retains OSHA Star status

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently congratulated CFAN Company for three years of participation in its prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) at the highest, or "Star," level. OSHA recognized CFAN's achievement during a ceremony at the company's San Marcos, Texas, facility, which produces composite blades for airplane engines.

"CFAN has demonstrated excellence in effective safety and health management," said Eric S. Harbin, director of OSHA's area office in Austin, Texas. "The facility's outstanding efforts include maintaining an injury and illness rate 81 percent below the national average for the industry."

CFAN Company has 390 employees working at its San Marcos plant, along with 30 contract employees who perform maintenance, capital projects, and guard and janitorial services. The site is expanding with plans spanning the next few years for 110,000 more square feet and double the number of employees.

More than 1,790 worksites in more than 270 industries nationwide have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. Requirements include a high degree of management support and employee involvement; a high-quality worksite hazard analysis, prevention and control programs; 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 rates 50 percent lower than other companies in their respective industries.