Brandenburg Industrial Service Co., based in Chicago and Milwaukee, Wis., has become the first demolition company to receive OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) “start” status. The “star” designation is the highest level of recognition that an employer can achieve in the VPP.

"Brandenburg Industrial Service Co. has an excellent record in workplace safety and health," said Gary Anderson, director of OSHA's area office in Calumet City, Ill. "The company's notable success required a strong commitment from senior management and unions to ensure all employees have the tools and resources to benefit from a successful safety and health program at their worksites."

The demolition company has about 300 employees in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas and more than 700 employees nationally.

VPP, designed for worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health programs, is open to all industries and to companies with injury rates below their respective industries' national averages.

More than 1,920 worksites nationwide have earned entry into OSHA's VPP, which aims at reducing injuries, illnesses, fatalities and costs, while fostering a more productive workforce and increasing employee morale.