BWC Terminals (BWC) has received the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) star certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its Grays Harbor facility in Hoquiam, Washington, USA. BWC’s Texas City, Texas, USA, location also earned the prestigious acknowledgement in 2016.
The star certification is the highest level of recognition within OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program. It acknowledges workplaces that have demonstrated exceptional achievement in preventing and controlling occupational safety and health hazards. VPP star sites have implemented and continuously improved effective safety and health management systems, resulting in injury and illness rates below the national average.
The VPP certification process is rigorous and thorough, involving detailed evaluations and on-site audits by OSHA experts, along with extensive employee surveys to ensure a strong safety-first culture. VPP participants are re-evaluated every three to five years to remain in the program.
BWC’s health, safety, environment, and quality (HSEQ) policy is fundamental to the sustainability of the company’s operations. Its systems, policies, and procedures address both routine and emergency situations to effectively manage risks, threats, and incidents. Safety is integrated into the company culture through ongoing training and the empowerment of employees, and it is reinforced by management to achieve industry-leading results.
BWC Terminals CEO Adam Smith, says: ‘We are incredibly proud to receive the VPP Star certification for our Grays Harbor facility. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who prioritise safety and maintain a healthy workplace for all our employees and key stakeholders across every aspect of our operations.’
BWC’s successful VPP Star certification underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to safety. In the last month alone, BWC received two other safety accolades, including the national AEU Safety Award and the International Liquid Terminals Association Safety Excellence Award.
