The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration certified Mine Safety Appliances' facility in Cranberry, Pa. at the highest level, in its prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs. During a ceremony at the facility, Robert Szymanski, director of OSHA's Pittsburgh Area Office, presented a VPP star flag.

"Safety and health is a high priority to MSA management and employees," said Szymanski. "The company has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to employee safety and health, and has maintained an injury and illness rate 51% below the industry average."

MSA manufactures and supplies safety products to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations, such as self-contained breathing apparatus accessories, military integrated communication headsets and custom application systems. The Cranberry facility has 458 employees.

Designed for worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health programs, the VPP is open to all industries and to employers with injury rates below their respective industries' national averages.

More than 1,950 worksites nationwide have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. Over the years, the VPP has proven to be an effective means of reducing injuries, illnesses, fatalities and costs, while fostering a more productive work force and increasing employee morale.