OSHA News

Oregon OSHA Recognizes Covanta Marion for Health and Safety

(April 16, 2009) - A wholly-owned subsidiary of Covanta Holding Corporation and a world leader in the development and operation of large scale Energy-from-Waste and other renewable energy projects, Covanta Energy, announced its Covanta Marion facility has earned "STAR" status in the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, Occupational Safety and Health Division Voluntary Protection Program (Oregon OSHA VPP).

VPP "STAR" status is the highest honor given to worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health management systems. In awarding this elite status, OSHA gives strong consideration to the level of employee involvement in on-site health and safety program development and to long-term management commitment and support. STAR recipients have also achieved injury and illness rates at or below the state average of their respective industries.

"The 'STAR' designation is a tribute to the commitment made by Covanta and its 38 employees at the Marion facility to operational excellence and workplace health and safety. We congratulate the employees of Covanta Marion for achieving this significant milestone," said Seth Myones, President of Covanta Americas. "Their performance exemplifies Covanta's overall commitment to safety and demonstrates the importance we place on employee health and safety. We are proud to be one of the top ten companies in the country participating in OSHA's VPP program."

Covanta Marion is one of 29 Covanta facilities that have achieved the prestigious VPP "STAR" designation on a state or federal level. It is also only one of 23 facilities in Oregon to receive this designation.
"Promoting jobsite protections and safe practices is a key not only to reducing jobsite accidents, but a logical adaptation to a harmonious growth oriented company. We are comforted in the knowledge that management has implemented industrial protection devices and safety awareness along side employee adherence to safety practices that promote success in the workplace," said Gene Kidd, Field Staff Supervisor for Local 701 of the International Union of Operating Engineers. "Covanta once again demonstrates how to enhance a renewable energy by working towards protecting its valuable resources, the workforce, while growing its Energy-from-Waste facility for the future."

To prepare for VPP certification, Covanta Marion joined the state's SHARP (Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program) Alliance to strengthen its safety program. After only three years in the five-year program, Covanta Marion was told they could apply for induction into VPP. Oregon OSHA Administrator Michael Wood said, "VPP status isn't a magic bullet that suddenly makes a facility safer. It's a recognition of all that the facility has already achieved. Covanta Marion has worked with us and with their employees for several years to weave safety into everything they do, and the success of those efforts is reflected in the award."

Covanta Marion operates the Energy-from-Waste facility under contract with the Marion County Department of Public Works Environmental Services and serves the solid waste management needs of over 300,000 people of Marion County. The facility processes 550 tons per day of solid waste, generating more than 13 megawatts of clean, renewable energy.

For more information, visit www.covantaholding.com.

Share or bookmarklet this web page at: