Delaware River Site Continues Prestigious VPP Star Status

Valtris’ Delaware River, has been recertified continuing its “Star” status, the highest ranking possible under the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

VPP status recognizes employers and employees “who demonstrate exemplary achievement in the prevention and control of occupational safety and health hazards, and the development, implementation and continuous improvement of their safety and health management system,” according to OSHA’s website. Less than 0.02% of eligible U.S. worksites under OSHA’s jurisdiction are VPP “Star” certified.

The Delaware River site’s safety accomplishments and programs include:

• Multi-year periods without an OSHA recordable injury
• Strong emphasis on up-stream/proactive safety activities, including a
  • Behavior Based Safety Observation Process with more than 20 years of success
  • Employee involvement in Process Safety Management, Industrial Safety and Health and Environmental Programs
  • Department and site employee-led teams dedicated to increasing site safety driving ownership to the operator level
  • Process Safety Management program covering processing of flammable organics and chlorine.
  • Site leadership review of all incidents and safety concerns and on-time tracking of corrective actions to closure
• Strong culture of raising and correcting issues and preventing incidents.
• Strong culture of employee ownership of safety activities and results.

We’re extremely proud of the VPP Star Certification at Delaware River and pleased that our employees there are acknowledged for their focus on health and safety. Delaware River Plant has a strong safety culture and has for many years. At Valtris, safety is a core value. This recognition from OSHA encourages us to reach even higher in our safety and health initiatives companywide.

Approximately 73 employees work at the Valtris Delaware River site, which produces specialty chemicals including Benzyl Chloride, High Performance Plasticizers and Phosphate Esters.