The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that uniform rental company, Cintas Corporation, has received the respected Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star certification. Cintas' facility in Ashton, Pennsylvania received the prestigious recognition for the "practice of and commitment to" exemplary occupational and workplace safety.

The Star level is the highest distinction awarded by OSHA. An OSHA spokesperson states, "At OSHA, we will use this location as an example of how businesses can not only meet, but exceed requirements for VPP certification." The Region III VPP Manager also praised Cintas for their enthusiasm in "making safety and health a strong component" of their corporate culture.

Cintas was one of only 165 facilities in the region to receive the Star award. The Ashton facility is the 8th Cintas location to receive the prestigious VPP Star designation. Equally impressive, this facility is one of only around 2,300 of the thousands of workplace sites in the U.S, which has earned this award for excellence. Earning this designation is not easy.

The VPP process requires monthly, detailed audits, along with a strong collaboration between employees and management. The goal: Continuous safety improvement and avoidance of workplace injuries. With around 140 employees at this facility, getting–and keeping–everyone on the "same page" is a daunting task.

The General Manager of the facility stated, "I'm humbled to share this honor with our employee-partners today and every day." The GM notes that workplace safety is their top priority. This focus has generated a huge positive impact on the employees, customers and the business in general.

Do you believe that prestigious awards like these improve the image of companies that target worker safety, above all else? Should more U.S. employers adopt safety as their number one priority?

Source: Business Wire, "Federal OSHA Recognizes Cintas in Aston, PA with Highest Safety Designation," Dec. 12, 2012