News Brief
Fargo window manufacturer earns ‘Star’ level designation for exemplary workplace safety, health programs
WHO: Marvin
Fargo, North Dakota
WHAT: Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program
Star Level Designation
BACKGROUND: The company earned recognition for their commitment to safety and health programs leading to designation as Star Level VPP site. Marvin employs about 680 workers at its Fargo plant that manufactures custom windows. Based in Warroad, Minnesota, Marvin is a family owned business with more than 7,000 employees in 16 North American cities.
OSHA initially approved the Fargo facility as a VPP site in June 2004. The Marvin organization has eight sites in the program.
The VPP evaluation team found the Fargo site has an exceptional orientation program that includes a weeklong training process at a hands-on onsite learning lab that focuses on tool safety and ergonomics. Additionally, ergonomic controls such as lift, turn and rotate tables are used in the plant’s manufacturing processes.
“The employees of Marvin in Fargo work within a very structured and highly effective safety and health management system. A high level of employee engagement and management commitment drive continuous improvements and long-term success workplace safety,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Jennifer S. Rous in Denver. “The site has an excellent training program, and their efforts to address ergonomics are admirable. Star Level designation in the Voluntary Protection Program is the highest safety achievement a company can earn from OSHA. Marvin’s commitment to employee safety and health is very evident at all levels of this workplace.”
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.
