JUNE 27, 2005–  Herman Miller Inc., GreenHouse Seating Operation received the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) Star Award today from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) for workplace safety and health excellence.  The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).

“Herman Miller is one of Michigan’s finest corporate citizens–and is recognized worldwide for their innovative designs and people practices,” said DLEG Director David C. Hollister.  “Now they will also be recognized for their exceptional leadership in safety, health and the environment–which sets a strong corporate example for all Michigan businesses.”

MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski presented the MVPP Star Award to GreenHouse Operations General Manager Greg Wrona.  State and local elected officials, corporate leaders and MIOSHA representatives were on hand to congratulate employees and management on their outstanding achievement.

“Our corporate mission and purpose is focused on creating great places to work – for our customers and also for our Herman Miller employees,” said Brian Walker, Herman Miller’s President and Chief Executive Officer.  “A key element of that mission is creating a safe, healthy and productive work environment.  Our employee owners are driving continuous improvement in these critical areas, and it is on the strength of their energetic commitment that we earn this award.”

This is the most prestigious safety and health award given in Michigan.  MIOSHA established the MVPP program in 1996 to recognize employers actively working toward achieving excellence in workplace safety and health.  Since 1999, Michigan has recognized 17 MVPP Star companies.

“This award is an encouragement for us at the GreenHouse, and throughout Herman Miller,” said GreenHouse General Manager Greg Wrona.  “We believe in ongoing improvement in all aspects of our business, and this will inspire us to continue to move forward.”

The incidence rates at the Herman Miller GreenHouse are well below the Michigan average for their SIC code 2521, Wooden Office Furniture.   Their total case incidence rate was 4.8 in 2001, 5.3 in 2002, and 3.5 in 2003-compared to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Michigan industry average of 9.4 in 2001, and 7.8 in 2002 and 2003.  The total days away/restricted cases (DART) rate was 2.3 in 2001, 2.7 in 2002, and 2.3 in 2003-compared to the BLS Michigan industry average of 5.5 in 2001, and 4.6 in 2002 and 2003.

  “National VPP sites experience 60 to 80 percent less lost work day injuries than would be expected of an average site in their industry,” said Kalinowski.  “Not only does the MVPP program significantly reduce injuries and illnesses, it also has a tremendous impact on the bottom line.”

The GreenHouse employs 450 workers on two shifts, and manufactures Herman Miller’s seating products.  The MIOSHA review team conducted 10 formal and 30 informal interviews during the site visit.  The team examined each of the required elements of their safety and health management system, and found them to effectively address the scope and complexity of the hazards at the site.

Areas of excellence include:

• Management Commitment – safety and health responsibilities are defined by the company, with a dedicated safety professional and budget.
• Employee Involvement – all employees actively participate in the safety and health management system.  Employees are involved through teams, committee membership, suggestion program and physical inspections.
• Ergonomic Improvements – lift tables, ergonomic tools and equipment, and workstation design – are incorporated into work processes.
• Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs) – have been developed for all equipment and processes.
• Monthly Audits – The entire facility is reviewed monthly.  Work team leaders, manufacturing engineers, and safety representatives conduct monthly audits.
• Electronic Solution Tracking – an electronic system tracks solution progress to assure all corrections have been made.  The system also tracks safety/health audits.
• Interactive Training – a variety of interactive methods are used to teach employees safe work practices and hazard recognition.

Herman Miller helps create great places to work, heal, learn, and live by researching, designing, manufacturing, and distributing innovative interior solutions that support companies, organizations, and individuals all over the world. The company's award-winning products, complemented by furniture-management and strategic consulting services, generated $1.34 billion in revenue during fiscal 2004.  In fiscal 2004 Herman Miller was named recipient of the prestigious National Design Award for product design from the Smithsonian Institution's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. In 2005, the company was again included in Business Ethics magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens" and was cited by Fortune magazine as the "Most Admired" company in its industry. The company trades on the NASDAQ market under the symbol MLHR. For additional information visit www.HermanMiller.com.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth news releases.