Entergy site in Louisiana earns safety recognition

The Entergy Transmission and Substations' Lake Charles/Scott site in Louisiana has earned membership in the prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at the "Star," or highest, level. Bruce Stark, VPP coordinator in OSHA's Baton Rouge, La., area office, attended a recognition ceremony held at the company's facility on North Ryan Street in Lake Charles.

"The Entergy Transmission and Substations has demonstrated excellence in safety and health management," said OSHA regional administrator Dean W. McDaniel in Dallas. "Its outstanding efforts include maintaining an injury and illness rate that is significantly below the national average for the industry."

The 28 employees at the Lake Charles/Scott site manage the transmission and distribution system for delivering electricity to local customers by maintaining and repairing approximately 145 electrical substations located throughout the network.

More than 1,950 worksites 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.