Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) announced the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) awarded its Auburn Hills, Michigan site continued status as a “Star” participant in the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP), keeping the status the site has maintained since 2004.
The “Star” review process begins with a pre-audit outlining the site’s current safety program. MIOSHA then sends representatives to the site over a three-day period to review the pre-audit, tour the facility and conduct extensive interviews with company employees.
Partnering for excellence
“This recognition exemplifies the result of successful efforts by all associates, and government, in partnering for excellence in workplace safety and health,” said Huntsman’s Auburn Hills Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Manager Pete Panourgias.
Sherry Scott, MIOSHA Safety and Health Program Manager/MVPP Manager, said Huntsman is a great member of the MVPP program and the organization’s team is easy to work with. “MIOSHA has highlighted a couple of Huntsman’s best practices in promotional Safety and Health Management System discussions around the state,” said Scott. “Huntsman Polyurethanes is an excellent workplace safety and health leader.”
The Huntsman facility has successfully undergone three additional recertification processes over the past 11 years. The “Star” status offered under the program lasts for three years until the site needs to be recertified.
While the U.S. Department of Labor has its own safety protocol, many states have their own criteria which are often more stringent, including hazard recognition, recordable rates, associate involvement and training and management commitment.
Prioritizing health and safety
Panourgias believes the Auburn Hills site has successfully maintained high safety standards due to Huntsman’s company-wide commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of its associates and contractors. “Receiving ‘Star’ status is a collaborative effort and involves unified support for our EHS program,” added Panourgias.
Because the Auburn Hills site has maintained “Star” status for 11 years, it is a well-known exemplar of high safety standards amongst the Michigan business community. The site currently mentors other companies’ EHS teams pursuing MVPP recognition, as well as those companies who simply want to improve their safety and health management system.
About Huntsman:
Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals with 2014 revenues of approximately $13 billion including the acquisition of Rockwood’s performance additives and TiO2 businesses. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 100 manufacturing and R&D facilities in more than 30 countries and employ approximately 16,000 associates within our 5 distinct business di visions. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com.
