J.R. Simplot Co. site in Soda Springs, Idaho, earns renewal 'star' for safety and health from US Department of Labor's OSHA

SEATTLE – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has approved J.R. Simplot Co.'s Conda Pump Station in Soda Springs, Idaho, for continued participation in its Voluntary Protection Programs at the "star," or highest, level. A ceremony to recognize the company's continued excellence in employee safety and health will be held at the facility June 1 at 6:00 p.m. MDT.

"The level of safety and health not only achieved but maintained over the years by this employer is truly a commendable achievement," said Dean Ikeda, OSHA's regional administrator in Seattle. "This continued commitment to a robust safety and health program makes us all very proud and clearly shows that, with proper hazard analysis, sound planning and effective training, every workplace in America also can be a champion for safety and health."

The Conda Pump Station receives phosphorous ore slurry via an approximately 30-mile pipeline from Simplot's Smoky Canyon Mine in eastern Idaho and pumps the slurry by pipeline about 57 miles to the company's Don Plant in Pocatello. The station includes a machine shop, welding shop, offices, four 1,200 horsepower driven pumps and a control room to monitor operations. The Conda Pump Station originally was approved as a "star" site in 1996 and has maintained that status since.

OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs recognize private and federal work sites with effective safety and health management systems that have maintained injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages. Management, labor and OSHA work cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses through a system focused on hazard prevention and control, work site analysis and training. Union support is required for applicant work sites where employees are represented by a bargaining unit. Participating work sites are exempt from OSHA programmed inspections while they maintain their VPP status. For more information, contact OSHA's regional office in Seattle at 206-553-7620 or visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/vpp/.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.