Timber Products Spectrum Division (TP Spectrum) in White City, Oregon today received 'VPP Merit Award' status from the Oregon OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). The Voluntary Protection Program is a national program that encourages employers to voluntarily meet rigorous workplace safety and health management standards to protect workers and reduce injuries.

"By achieving VPP status, Timber Products Spectrum Division has demonstrated that they are among the 'best of the best' for workplace safety management," says Peter De Luca, administrator of Oregon OSHA. "This facility had a lost-workday injury rate in 2002 that was 44 percent lower than the state industry average for specialty laminators. That safety record is accomplished because this mill makes a daily commitment to working safely."

To achieve VPP status, a work site must have a three-year average injury and illness rate that is at or below those of other employers within their industry. The work site also undergoes an extensive Oregon OSHA review of workplace conditions, safety records, employee safety and health programs, regulatory compliance, which includes interviews with employees. Evaluators review nineteen program elements including management commitment to safety, employee participation, self-inspection, safety and health training, emergency programs and drills, and preventative maintenance. Oregon OSHA's VPP companies are removed from routine scheduled inspection lists for the duration of their participation. Employees do not lose any rights under the program, and Oregon OSHA still investigates accidents, formal complaints and chemical spills.

Timber Products Spectrum Division employs over 50 people at the White City facility, which manufactures wood laminate products used in furniture, shelving, cabinets, stage sets and other applications. The company joined the Oregon OSHA Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) in May 1999 before becoming a VPP site in 2003

Timber Products Spectrum Division is one of seven VPP sites in Oregon. The additional VPP sites in Oregon are Frito-Lay Beaverton, Kerr McGee Chemical LLC in The Dalles, Georgia-Pacific Toledo pulp and paper mill, Georgia-Pacific Philomath mill, Georgia-Pacific Coos Bay mill, and DPR Construction's Lewis & Clark Campus Housing Project in Portland.

Oregon OSHA offers a variety of conferences, on-site training, educational resources and consultation services to help Oregon employers create safer workplaces and reduce the amount of productivity lost due to injuries that occur at work. For more information about the VPP or SHARP programs, contact Mark Hurliman, Oregon OSHA VPP/SHARP program coordinator at 503-947-7437. For more information about Timber Products Spectrum Division, contact Mike Martin at 541-826-2246.