EASTON, Maine – At a ceremony held last Wednesday, Huber Engineered Woods LLC’s Easton operation was recognized by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for achieving Merit status in its Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).
OSHA awards VPP certification to companies committed to superior safety and health practices in the workplace. Standards for certification are very high, with only a small percentage of U.S. companies meeting OSHA’s criteria; Huber’s Easton location is the 23rd in Maine to achieve OSHA VPP status.
VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health standards. Companies interested in achieving VPP status must implement stringent criteria for health and safety practices in the workplace. When a company applies for VPP, a team of OSHA safety and health experts assess applicants, and subsequently performs a rigorous on-site evaluation. The process of preparing for VPP is a long-term commitment, taking most facilities between three and five years to qualify.
Gov. John E. Baldacci attended Huber’s celebration.
“I am so impressed with your work, your productivity, your safety … the leadership that you have all shown,” he said. “Huber has been a great partner for Aroostook County and Maine for more than 50 years. By maintaining your core values that you hold so near and dear to this company, I’m sure that we’ll be able to maintain a dedicated workforce … many of whom have been here for over two decades.”
Huber has been part of Easton since 1981 and their facility currently employs approximately 130 workers. The mill manufactures specialty-building products including engineered structural panels, an economical and environmentally friendly substitute for plywood.
Richard Cote, leader of HEW’s Safety Through Action and Responsibility (STAR) Team, accepted the VPP logo flag from OSHA’s Assistant Director of the Department of Labor Tony Lemire during the May 9 ceremony.
“Seeing the VPP flag flying over the entrance to the Easton facility will serve as a constant reminder to our employees, partners and visitors of the high regard we place on safety at Huber,” said John Goding, plant manager. “It’s also a continual source of great pride for the job well done by all the employees of this plant.”
“I want to thank all employees who helped our plants earn OSHA recognition in the Voluntary Protection Program. The safety of our employees has always been a guiding principle at Huber,” said Andy Trott, president of the Charlotte, N.C.-based company. “We are proud that four of the five mills operated by Huber Engineered Woods have achieved VPP certification, which has translated into fewer injuries and a more productive team.”
Don McHatten, safety manager at the Easton plant, thanked all employees for their hard work in attaining the VPP certification.
“This is a great day,” he said. “It’s not just my accomplishment … it’s everyone’s accomplishment. It was back in 2002 when we were challenged by the Huber family to be number-one in the state [in terms of safety]. When we picked the VPP program and looked at the companies that belong to it, they demonstrate year after year that they are the best in safety, and now we’re part of that.
“When the audit team from OSHA visited the Easton mill,” said McHatten, “they had nothing but compliments about the mill, the people and the overall attitude that they saw here. Though this is a major accomplishment, it’s a continuing commitment to our safety and we still want to be recognized as number-one in safety.”
The Easton facility is focused on making AdvanTech® Flooring and Sheathing, as well as the new ZIP System® Wall Sheathing and ZIP System™ Roof Sheathing products from Huber Engineered Woods.
Huber Engineered Woods LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corp., a diversified, multinational supplier of engineered materials, natural resources and technology-based services to markets ranging from paper and energy to construction.
Huber Engineered Woods LLC is an innovative panel and lumber solution provider for the North American housing market with manufacturing operations in Maine, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee and Oklahoma. It manufactures specialty engineered panels and wood products that are used in residential applications such as floors, walls and roofs.
Huber Engineered Woods LLC also serves industrial markets with products for door manufacturers and the transportation industry.
OSHA’s mission is to assure the safety and health of America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
