News Release
US Department of Labor renews ‘Star Level’ designation of Pfizer Andover for workplace safety, health achievements
Participant: Pfizer Inc. Andover, Massachusetts
Description: Pfizer employs about 1700 workers at the Andover site, which produces biotherapeutic pharmaceuticals. Employees conduct research and development, and manufacture recombinant DNA-derived protein therapeutics and vaccines. The site uses a wide variety of hazard assessment and control tools to protect worker safety and health such as qualitative risk assessment, job hazard analysis, biological safety, ergonomics and chemical safety.
Duration: OSHA first recognized Pfizer Andover in 2007 as a “star” site – the highest level of recognition that the agency’s Voluntary Protection Programs offers. The facility earned its VPP star renewal following an onsite evaluation in October 2021 by a team of OSHA safety and health experts. This VPP worksite played a key role in the Pfizer corporation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background: OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs recognize and promote effective worksite-based safety and health management systems. In the VPP, management, labor and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented comprehensive safety and health management systems. Approval into VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have created exemplary worksite safety and health management systems.
Quote: “The level of workplace safety and health maintained by Pfizer Andover over the years is a truly commendable achievement,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Galen Blanton in Boston. “The site’s management leadership and employee engagement to eliminate hazards and improve work activities at Pfizer Andover is exceptional. This includes participation in the site’s several safety and health committees and teams covering contractor, laboratory, electrical, hazardous energy control and fall safety.”
