UTC Aerospace Systems celebrates OSHA VPP Star recertification

The UTC Aerospace Systems manufacturing site in Windsor Locks, Conn. celebrated its recertification as a Star worksite in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) with a flag raising ceremony on Friday, October 4.  The site originally attained Star status in 2006 and early this year was recertified into the program for an additional five years.

UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

The VPP recognizes worksites that are committed to effective employee protection beyond the requirements of OSHA standards and encourages cooperative relationships between labor, management and government.  The Windsor Locks site is one of 13 UTC Aerospace systems sites to receive VPP Star status, and only one of 11 sites in Connecticut to achieve this accomplishment.

“We earned this recognition because our employees have focused efforts on promoting safety and making Windsor Locks one of our company’s safest work sites,” said Bob Leduc, President of Boeing Programs and Space Systems, and the Windsor Locks site lead. “Our success has much to do with the partnership between the Windsor Locks management team, IAMAW, LOCAL 743 and Local I-088 International Association of Fire Fighters to develop and promote our safety culture - taking appropriate precautions in the workplace, and implementing policies and procedures that protect and improve the welfare for everyone on site.”

To be recognized as a VPP Star worksite, an employer must operate a comprehensive safety and health management system that is integrated into the worksite’s operations.  Kenneth Tucker, III, Director Connecticut Occupational Safety and Health reminded attendees at the flag raising ceremony that Star status requirements include injury and illness rates below national average, annual evaluation to gauge the effectiveness of all required VPP elements, and a commitment to safety and health training for all employees.

UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.