Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Potlatch Recognized For Safety

Potlatch lumber mills in Warren and Prescott were recognized for their exemplary safety performance in a recent ceremony led by Gov. Mike Huckabee and state agency leaders.

In the May 10 ceremony Huckabee noted that only 15 Arkansas manufacturing sites have been approved to participate in highest level of the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), which is sponsored by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Potlatch's Ozan pine lumber mill at Prescott is one of the 15 VPP star' sites, and the Southern Unit at Warren is under evaluation for star' status.

VPP was developed by OSHA to encourage manufacturers to voluntarily achieve and maintain safety programs that are better than required by federal or state law. Plants must undergo a rigorous planning process and inspection to be approved for VPP star status.

Potlatch's Ozan Unit was approved for VPP status in 1999 and the Southern Unit is awaiting approval following a visit by OSHA earlier this year.

Dick Bullard of Warren, who is vice president of Potlatch's Southern Wood Products Division, said, "It's a great pleasure to see that our safety performance is recognized by Gov. Huckabee, the Arkansas Department of Labor and the Arkansas Worker's Compensation Commission. Careful planning and employee involvement are the key to our success, and while we are pleased with our progress, we are not content.

"We believe all accidents are preventable and our goal is to have zero injuries," he continued. "Reaching that goal will require a continuing commitment from every Potlatch employee"

As part of the day's activities, Gov. Huckabee declared the week of May 10 Arkansas VPP Week' and gave a commemorative certificate to each VPP site. He also recognized the creation of the Arkansas Association of VPP Sites, which is the nation's first state-level organization for VPP participants.

Also participating in the day's ceremony were representatives of the various VPP sites; James Salkeld, director of the Arkansas Department of Labor and Pat West Humphrey, of the Arkansas Worker's Compensation Commission. The Ceremony and presentations took place in the old Supreme Court Room of the State Capitol.