CLINTON, Iowa, July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Equistar Chemical's Clinton plant has been certified as a "Star" site, the highest level of recognition for safety performance and processes awarded by the Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as part of the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). The Clinton plant joins twelve other Equistar sites also designated as OSHA Star facilities.
Byron Orton, Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Labor, presented a certificate and OSHA Star flag to Equistar employees in a public ceremony at Equistar's Clinton plant. A number of invited guests and local officials joined Equistar employees at the ceremony. Accepting the certificate award on behalf of Equistar was Plant Manager Joe Brenner. Accepting the OSHA Star flag were members of the plant's VPP Committee, the internal team that coordinated the Star application process. Recognizing the accomplishment were Equistar executives James Bayer, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing, and Mike White, Vice President for Responsible Care(R).
"OSHA's VPP program sets high standards for safety programs," said Bayer, "and we decided to participate because of our commitment to be a leader in safety performance and because we believe that strong safety performance makes good business sense."
The VPP process involves demanding systems of measurement, self-evaluation and audits to assess a facility's commitment to safety. Employee involvement in those systems is a critical component. OSHA conducts an on-site audit to verify that a site meets VPP criteria.
Employees at the Equistar plant began preparing to become a STAR site more than 2 years ago and spent many hours compiling the extensive documentation of plant safety processes necessary for the VPP application. After the application was submitted, a team of 5 auditors spent two weeks reviewing plant safety procedures, systems and records, and conducting random interviews of plant employees. Following this extensive review, the auditors recommended the plant for Star status.
"This important achievement reflects the commitment of each and every Clinton employee to working safely," said Plant Manager Joe Brenner. "This Star award places the Clinton plant among the best of the best in our industry."
Equistar Chemicals, LP, a joint venture of Lyondell Chemical Company, Millennium Chemicals, Inc., and Occidental Petroleum Corporation, is one of the largest producers of ethylene, propylene and polyethylene in North America. The Clinton plant produces polyethylene plastic resins used for products such as leak-proof and shatter-proof containers for milk, juice and household chemicals, packaging that protects food from spoilage and contamination, and children's toys that are safe and durable.
Equistar Chemicals, LP, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a joint venture among Lyondell Chemical Company, Millennium Chemicals Inc. and Occidental Petroleum Corporation and combines their olefins, polymers and oxygenated chemicals businesses. Equistar is one of the world's largest producers of ethylene, propylene and polyethylene and a leading producer of ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, polypropylene, specialty polymers, wire and cable resins, and polyolefin powders. Equistar was formed in December 1997 and has 18 manufacturing sites located primarily along the U.S. Gulf Coast and in the Midwest.
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SOURCE Equistar Chemicals, LP
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CONTACT: Rich Phelan of Equistar Chemicals, LP, +1-563-244-2263
