The Mueller Co. foundry in Albertville, AL, has earned “Star” status in the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program — the highest rating available, assigned to employers and employees that develop and implement continuous improvement workplace safety and health management programs that result in injury/illness rates below the national averages for their industries.
OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) is an initiative that encourages private industry and federal agencies to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses through hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, training, and cooperation between management and workers. VPP enlists worker involvement to achieve injury and illness rates that are below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for their respective industries.
The gray and ductile iron foundry is an operation of Mueller Water Products, one of North America’s largest manufacturers of fire hydrants, pipe fittings, and valves.
The OSHA recognition makes the Albertville foundry just the sixth metalcasting operation to earn the highest VPP rating, and one of 36 sites in the state of Alabama to achieve the designation.
"A safe workplace is foundational to the success of our entire organization," stated Gregory S. Rogowski, president of Mueller Co. "We are extraordinarily proud of our entire 850-person team in Albertville which has embraced our core value of fostering a safe and environmentally friendly environment. Their professionalism and commitment to safety has made this achievement possible."
Mueller Co. celebrated this achievement with a company picnic in October.
Mueller Co.'s fire hydrants protect our families, homes, and businesses,” Alabama Governor Robert Bentley offered, in a letter to plant manager Randy Epperson. “Because of your dedication to quality and service, Albertville, Alabama, has earned the coveted title of ‘Fire Hydrant Capital of the World.’ I am delighted that you are being recognized for producing these indispensable products safely and for protecting the health and safety of your employees.”