LYNN, MASS. -- With more than 2000 employees on hand for an outdoor ceremony on November 2, GE - Aviation's plant received the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) prestigious award for health and safety - the Voluntary Protection Program Star.  



U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy was on hand and he commended GE for making its workers "full partners in safety decisions" through the formation of safety committees and weekly meetings on health and safety. "The talented men and women here at the GE plant design and make engines and parts for planes, ships, and submarines for our armed forces. They also make a valuable contribution to our aviation industry, and provide good jobs for Massachusetts workers. They help to keep our men and women in combat safe, and they deserve a safe workplace as well," said Sen. Kennedy. 



"We know that a safe workplace is a successful workplace and much needs to be done at the federal level to protect health and safety. We enacted new mine safety legislation this year, and I look forward to pushing for OSHA reforms in the next Congress with the help of my colleague John Tierney." 



Corinne Johnson, GE-Lynn Area Executive & General Manager, remarked, "VPP Star is an elite status - fewer than 0.1% of all companies in the United States are VPP certified." "This certification ensures our workplace has a strongly proactive Health and Safety Program. VPP Star certification requires employees to work cooperatively to achieve a healthy workplace well beyond what is required by regulation." 



GE has 109 OSHA VPP sites - more than any other company in the nation. As a result, 100,000+ GE employees are protected through VPP. The Lynn plant, as one of those sites, has unique characteristics that make VPP especially exciting: 



. One of the largest Federal VPP Star manufacturing facilities in the nation 



. One of the largest Federal VPP Star military suppliers 



. One of Massachusetts' largest VPP facilities 



. A complex site that conducts manufacturing, assembly, engineering and testing 



Prior to presenting the company and union with the official plaque and banner, Assistant Secretary of Labor Edward Foulke Jr. praised the plant for its exemplary safety record and the strides it has made to overcome challenges to reach this status. He also reinforced the basic OSHA charter. "We want to prevent injuries and fatalities before they occur," said Foulke. "You cannot put a price tag on somebody's life." 



Others who actively participated in the ceremony for this federal award included U.S Congressman John Tierney, Lynn Mayor Edward Clancy, Scott Ernest, GE - Aviation Supply Chain Vice President; and Steve Ramsey, GE Vice President - Environmental Programs. Also in attendance were state Sen. Thomas McGee, state Reps. Steve Walsh and Robert Fennell as well as local and regional OSHA officials. 



After the 60-minute ceremony, employees enjoyed a catered buffet lunch, giveaways and raffles.



GE - Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), manufactures jet engines for civil and military aircraft. GE also provides maintenance and support services for jet engines.