"I am honored to welcome Johnson Technology's Latimer Plant into this exceptional group of Michigan companies who represent the 'Best of the Best' in workplace safety and health," said Hollister. "The Latimer plant has created a work environment where everyone accepts responsibility for safety, every day. We applaud the safety and health diligence exhibited at this facility."

Johnson Technology employees Tom Hansen, TJ Garrett, Grif Newell,
Dawn Osborne, Jim Brainard, Brian Shaw, and Evelyn Vickers raised the MVPP Flag.

Recognizing Excellence
The CIS Bureau of Safety and Regulation is responsible for the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA) program. MIOSHA established the MVPP program to recognize employers actively working toward achieving excellence in workplace safety and health. It was developed in 1996 to reward worksites that develop and implement outstanding safety and health programs that go beyond MIOSHA standards.

CIS Director Hollister presented the MVPP Star Flag to David M. Yacavone, President, who accepted the award on behalf of all Johnson Technology's 477 associates. Employees raised the MVPP Star Flag during the ceremony.

The following state and local elected officials were on hand to congratulate Johnson Technology employees and management on their outstanding achievement:
- Senator Gerald R. Van Woerkom (R) Dist. 34;
- Representative Julie Dennis (D) Dist. 92;
- Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington;
- Norton Shores Mayor Nancy Crandall;
- Cindy Larsen, President, Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce.

"We are extremely proud of this achievement, which recognizes each and every Associate who worked so hard to qualify for Star status," said Yacavone. "This is the ultimate demonstration of Johnson Technology's commitment to our workers' safety and health, while at the same time making the company more competitive."

Reducing Injury & Illness
The Johnson Technology Latimer Plant's Incidence Rates and Lost Work Day Rates are well below the Michigan average for their SIC code 3724 Aircraft Engines and Engine Parts. The Total Case Incidence Rate for the Latimer Plant was 4.8 in 2000, 2.9 in 2001, and 2.2 in 2002-compared to 12.6, 11.8, and 11.8 respectively, for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) industry average. The Total Lost Work Day Cases for the Latimer Plant was 2.0 in 2000, 0.9 in 2001, and 0.0 in 2002-compared to 5.2, 5.9, and 5.9, respectively, for the BLS industry average.

"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 BSR Director Kalinowski. "Johnson Technology's outstanding safety and health record sends a strong message to all employers that safety pays."

The MIOSHA MVPP Team found the quality of Latimer Plant's safety and health program to be excellent. The MVPP Team consisted of: David Luptowski, CET Safety Consultant, MVPP Team Leader (now retired); Debra Gundry, CET Safety Consultant; Bill Lykes, CET Supervisor, Mike Mosher, CIH, CET Industrial Hygienist; and Doug Kimmel, CET MVPP Specialist.

David Yacavone, President; Kent Dystra, 37-year associate; Bill Lykes, MIOSHA (back); Gary Larabee; David Reagan, EHS Manager; Brian Shaw, EHS Specialist; Deb Gorkisch, EHS Technician; Doug Kimmel, MIOSHA; David Hollister, CIS Director; Steve Warmington, Muskegon Mayar; Cindy Larsen, Muskegon Chamber President; Nancy Crandall, Norton Shores Mayor; Doug Kalinowski, MIOSHA Director; Representative Julie Dennis; Senator Gerry Van Woerkem.

To ensure safety accountability, safety has been made a line function, and safety performance receives the same percentage (20 percent) as productivity in the employee appraisal process. The company employs a "cell" work environment and a "flat" management style that ensures strong employee (associate) involvement and empowerment in all phases of company operation.

Each work cell receives a monthly scorecard that is posted in the shop areas. Factors evaluated include: incident rates; JSA (job safety analyses) audits completed; safety contacts completed; cell inspections completed; timeliness of incident investigations; lapsed time to fix safety issues; scheduled training completed; and attendance at committee meetings.

Commitment of material resources to safety is substantial. All required personal protective equipment was provided in ample quantities and appropriate for the hazards present. Comprehensive safety surveys are conducted and a sophisticated system of physical hazard controls is in place and highly effective. The company also conducts exposure monitoring on a regular basis.

Individual, cell, and company-wide goals are set annually following a comprehensive audit of the safety performance and management systems. Some objectives included: 35 percent reduction in injuries and lost time rates; 15 percent reduction in work-comp cost; no employee exposures to contaminants or physical agents exceeding established limits, and implementation of SAFE program, a behavior-based tool for improving employee work practices. Employee perception of the safety and health management system is that it is continuously improving, focused and effective.

The Latimer Plant produces turbine nozzle segments and shrouds for aircraft and land-based systems. Their 477 associates annually manufacture close to 100,000 jet engine parts that are assembled into several different types of aircraft.