VALERO REFINERY Manager John Hill, left, accepts the VPP certificiate from Cal/OSHA’s Vicky Heza; at right is Ric Irizarry, a member of Valero’s Safety Team.
Courtesy photo
The refinery received the award Wednesday from Cal-OSHA representatives at a ceremony at Benicia Veterans Memorial Building, Fisher Jones said.
Voluntary Protection Programs are tied to the federal OSHA initiative that recognizes effective industrial and health programs, she said.
Valero Benicia Refinery received its first Star Site designation in October 2006 at the conclusion of a rigorous certification audit, she said.
The refinery received its first recertification in 2010, Fisher Jones said.
It is the highest designation a site can receive, she said, and only two petroleum refineries in California have earned it. The other is another Valero refinery, in Wilmington.
Nationally, Valero Energy has eight refineries with Star Site certification, representing a quarter of all U.S. refineries with such a designation, Fisher Jones said.
“Safety is our highest priority,” said John Hill, the refinery’s vice president and general manager.
He said the Benicia refinery has taken “a lead role in mentoring other facilities and businesses in California,” and has done the same for its on-site contractors.
Throughout Valero Energy, contractor companies are also VPP Star certified, Fisher Jones said.
At the Valero Benicia Refinery, Guarantee Electrical and Safway Services also has earned Cal-OSHA recognition at Star Sites, she said.
OSHA designates sites with the VPP Star Site status after they have passed a safety audit and have put into place specific safety features that require the partnership of employees and management, Fisher Jones said.
Recertification can be just as demanding, she said.
“Partnering with Cal-OSHA in the Voluntary Protection Program process is one way we demonstrate this commitment to our employees, contractors, community, and to regulatory agencies,” Hill said.
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