Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. LLC announced that in 2009 it set a new company-wide record for safety. According to Woodlands, Texas-based Chevron, the company's Recordable Injury Incidence Rate was 0.18.
"At Chevron Phillips Chemical, we value safety above all else and we strive for target zero, which translates to zero injuries and incidents in the workplace," says President and CEO Greg Garland. "During 2009, our company made great strides toward this target and I am very proud of our employees' and contractors' demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement in safety."
To achieve its results, the company — which employs 4,800 people at 34 manufacturing and research facilities in nine countries — held numerous training seminars on process and personnel safety, along with many hours of hands-on safety training that were reinforced by safety messaging campaigns, behavioral-based safety processes, and rigorous safety audits. These efforts were guided by the company's Operational Excellence system.
"In previous years, our safety metrics have been consistently ranked in the top quartile of our industry," says Garland. "However, in 2009, we improved personal safety for employees and contractors, further reduced process safety incidents, and as a result turned in truly outstanding safety results. This improvement required the focused efforts of all employees and has made Chevron Phillips Chemical an even better place to work."
Chevron Phillips Chemical additionally participates in the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration's (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program, which promotes and recognizes effective facility safety and health programs. Eighteen of its wholly owned and two joint-venture sites have been designated as OSHA VPP "Star" sites for demonstrating outstanding safety practices in the workplace.
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Most recently, the company's Orange, Texas, plant earned the designation as VPP Star site.
Orange Plant Manager Gary Piana said the designation represents a notable safety achievement that recognizes plant employees for their consistent focus on safe operations and a commitment to continuous improvement.
“We strive to build collaboration and trust among those who work here at Orange, as well as with our neighbors in the community, and that is accomplished through safe operations,” says Piana, whose plant manufactures high density polyethylene. “We are glad to receive this designation and we will continue to value the health and well-being of our employees while working to set an example for safe workplace behavior in our industry.”
