Wagner-Smith Earns “STAR” Designation for Workplace Safety

Wagner-Smith Equipment Co. prides itself on our commitment to our team members and our customers by being a safe place to work.

This month, our corporate location in Burleson, Texas became our first location to earn “star” designation for excellence in workplace safety and health management, a designation given by OHSA.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has welcomed us into the agency’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). The agency awards VPP status to companies with safety and health management systems that provide information, guidance and training to help protect the workers’ safety and health.

“This achievement is a direct reflection of the dedication and commitment to safety from every employee at every level of our organization,” Jerry Phillips, safety manager, said. “From our executive leadership team who consistently displays a sincere desire to provide the best possible work environment, to all of our office, warehouse, and shop employees who always put safety at the forefront of everything they do, earning VPP Star Status has truly been a team effort.”

OSHA’s VPP Program works with employers committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. VPP programs bring company management, site employees and OSHA together to work proactively to focus on hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, training, management commitment and worker involvement to prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses.

“Wagner-Smith Equipment Company’s entry into OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program will greatly improve the workplace safety and health for Wagner-Smith’s employees and onsite contractors,” explained OSHA Area Director Timothy Minor in Fort Worth.

There are approximately 1,200 site-based VPP Star sites in the federal program and to maintain the status, all participants must undergo a renewal process. For all the team members at the corporate location, they were provided a celebratory lunch and presentation of the flag. As part of our strategic plan, each Wagner-Smith location will be pursuing this status.