Released on October 28, 2009

Pacific States Cast Iron Pipe Co., Provo, Utah, recently received a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Merit status flag from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in recognition of its health and safety achievements.

The ductile iron pipe casting facility, a subsidiary of McWane Cast Iron Pipe Co., received the award during a ceremony on Oct. 21. The event featured commentary from John Balian, the plant’s general manager, Scott Jarvis, plant manager, Barb Wisniewski, vice president of health and safety, and several individuals from both the community and the Utah branch of OSHA. Jeff Willman, group safety director, served as master of ceremonies.

The VPP designation is OSHA’s recognition for worksites that demonstrate exemplary safety and health programs and who have developed employee involvement and management commitment.

“The cooperative effort between the employees and management was actually demonstrated multiple times during the day, from the group who assembled all the tables and chairs for the luncheon to those employees who volunteered to cook the steaks which were provided for lunch,” said Mickie Coggin, a McWane spokesperson.

Other McWane facilities that have achieved OSHA VPP status include Manchester Tank-Elkhart (VPP Star), Tyler Coupling Marshfield (VPP Merit), Clow Valve Metal Casting Facility (VPP Star) and Clow Valve Machine Shop (VPP Merit).