AUGUST 6, 2004 – Specialty Silicone Fabricators Inc.’s Elk Rapids plant 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).

“We’re honored to present this premiere safety and health recognition to the employees and management of the Specialty Silicone Fabricators’ Elk Rapids facility,” said MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski.  “You have created a work environment where everyone accepts responsibility for safety, every day.  We applaud your exemplary safety success."

Kalinowski presented the MVPP Star Flag to Doug Hay, manager of the Michigan facility, and Doug Marker, safety, health & environmental coordinator of the facility.  State and local elected officials, corporate leaders, and MIOSHA representatives were on hand to congratulate employees and management on their outstanding achievement.

“I am honored to receive this award on behalf of Specialty Silicone Fabricators.  It is only possible because of the hard work, dedication and safety awareness of each and every one of our employees,” said Hay.  “We place a strong emphasis on the health and safety of our employees.  The Star Award will help us all keep focused on our goal of a healthy and safe work environment.”

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 16 MVPP Star companies.

“Much of the hard work is now done; achieving the Star.  The true test of our commitment is in keeping this, the highest of ratings, over the long haul,” said Marker.  “It is truly a testament of all involved to sustain such a high degree of excellence.”

The Elk Rapids facility’s incidence rates are well below the Michigan average for their SIC code, 3061, Fabricated Rubber Products, Not Elsewhere Classified.   The Total Case Incidence Rate for the plant was 0.0 in 2002, and 4.9 in 2003 - compared to 8.5 each year for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) industry average.  The Total Days Away/Restricted Cases (DART) Rate for the plant was 0.0 in 2002, and 4.9 in 2003 - compared to 5.3 each year for the BLS industry average.

“National VPP sites experience 60 to 80 percent fewer lost work day injuries than would be expected of an average site in their industry,” said Kalinowski.   “The Elk Rapids plant’s outstanding safety and health record sends a strong message to all employers that safety pays.”

The Elk Rapids plant has an exemplary safety and health record, and has exhibited outstanding leadership in recognizing that a comprehensive safety and health program is critical to successful businesses today.   The plant is committed to achieving excellence in environmental, health and safety protection.

On their road map to reaching Star status, the facility has met the rigorous MVPP Star program requirements.  The MIOSHA Review Team conducted six formal and eight informal interviews during the site visit.  The team examined each of the five required elements of the site’s safety and health management system and found them to be consistent with the high quality of MVPP programs.  The site meets all MVPP requirements, and all MIOSHA standards are appropriately covered.

Areas of Excellence:

• Management commitment – safety and health responsibilities are defined by the company and safety is more important than production.
• Employee involvement – all employees actively participate in the safety and health management system.
• Process development and equipment qualification programs – the programs include reviews of potential hazards such as ergonomics, machine guarding, chemical review, etc.
• Training handbooks – handbooks are provided to all employees and contain lesson plans and handouts for each topic.
• Hazard assessments – issues identified are included in: work instructions, process instructions, and standard operating procedures.

Specialty Silicone Fabricators Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of ISSAC Corporation, based in California.  The Elk Rapids facility manufactures custom silicone components and parts for the medical device industry.  Their specialties include extrusion, silicone tubing, silicone molding, silicone sheeting and silicone sponge.

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