News Release
US Department of Labor recognizes Chatham Village Foods for workplace safety, health excellence with ‘Star’ designation
Participant: Chatham Village Foods, Wareham, Massachusetts
Description: A division of the T. Marzetti Company, Chatham Village Foods has about 200 workers in Wareham who produce croutons for the bread and bakery product manufacturing industry. The production process includes ingredient mixing, proofing, baking, slicing, seasoning and packaging, and distribution.
Duration: OSHA’s Star designation follows an April 2022 onsite evaluation by a team of the agency’s safety and health experts. Star site designation is the highest level of recognition that the agency’s Voluntary Protection Programs offers.
Background: OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs recognize and promote effective worksite-based safety and health management systems. The program allows management, labor and OSHA to form cooperative relationships at workplaces where comprehensive safety and health management systems are used. VPP approval is OSHA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have created exemplary worksite safety and health management systems.
Quote: “Chatham Village Foods’ efforts – especially its employee training and involvement in its safety and health management system – serve as a model for other food manufacturers to follow,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Galen Blanton in Boston. “The company thoroughly involves employees in safety and health teams and committees, and workers there lead the facility’s Safety Pillar Team. The company also demonstrates its commitment to training by offering instruction for non-English speaking employees and temporary workers in languages they understand.”
