LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS) of the State of Nevada’s Division of Industrial Relations recently recognized Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.’s processing plant in Henderson, Nevada for successfully completing their Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) status. Ocean Spray is the first company in Henderson to enter the VPP, which recognizes employers and workers whom have implemented effective safety and health management systems and maintain injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for their respective industries.
“We are not a successful company if we aren’t safe,” said Ocean Spray’s Henderson Plant Director Mark Rauenzahn. “The entire Ocean Spray team here in Henderson is incredibly engaged in safety—it’s a mindset that we are all safety leaders. Being recognized with the VPP Star certification exemplifies our commitment to workplace safety and the day-to-day decisions our colleagues make to ensure they go home safely to their loved ones each day.”
While working with SCATS, the entire Ocean Spray team embraced the partnership and challenge of executing all elements of the VPP, from the rigorous audit to expanding and reinvigorating its already strong safety programs. Achieving this certification has begun a new chapter in the manufacturing plant’s safety journey.
“We are very proud of the Ocean Spray team for taking these crucial steps and showing their continued commitment to workplace safety,” said SCATS Chief Administrative Officer Todd Schultz. “Completing their VPP status marks a substantial achievement in the company’s dedication to keeping their employees safe and healthy at work.”
Ocean Spray joins an elite group of businesses that have successfully entered the Nevada VPP program by maintaining exemplary safety and health protocol. In the VPP, management, labor, and SCATS work cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. These goals are achieved through a system focused on hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, training, management commitment and worker involvement.
To participate, employers must apply with SCATS and undergo a rigorous on-site evaluation by a team of safety and health professionals. VPP participants are re-evaluated every three to five years to remain in the program. VPP participants are exempt from OSHA Enforcement programmed inspections while they maintain their VPP status. Approval into VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees.
Businesses interested in the VPP program can contact SCATS at (702) 486-9140 or visit the SCATS website here.
For more information on SCATS, including details on health and safety recognition programs or for a schedule of training courses offered by SCATS free of charge, please call 1-877-4SAFENV or visit www.4safenv.state.nv.us.
About Ocean Spray
Ocean Spray is a vibrant agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry farmers in the United States, Canada and Chile who have helped preserve the family farming way of life for generations. Formed in 1930, Ocean Spray is now the world’s leading producer of cranberry juices, juice drinks and dried cranberries and is the best-selling brand in the North American bottled juice category.
The Cooperative’s cranberries are currently featured in more than a thousand great-tasting, good-for-you products in over 100 countries worldwide. With more than 2,000 employees and nearly 20 cranberry receiving and processing facilities, Ocean Spray is committed to managing our business in a way that respects our communities, employees and the environment. For more information visit: www.oceanspray.com.
About Nevada’s Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS)
The Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS), part of Nevada’s Division of Industrial Relations, provides free and confidential consultation and safety services to assist businesses in Nevada to be incompliance with OSHA standards. SCATS’ top priority is to help Nevada businesses keep their employees safe and offers on-site consultation services designed to help employers recognize and control potential safety and health hazards at their workplaces, improve their safety and health programs, and assist in training employees. SCATS also offers Workplace Safety and Health Training classes in Northern and Southern Nevada. Bilingual services are also available. For more information visit: https://www.4safenv.state.nv.us/
