Austin Commercial Receives VPP Star Safety Designation
Austin Commercial’s commitment to safety was once again rewarded with national safety recognition. Austin Commercial’s project, the biomedical research building at UT Southwestern Medical Center, received OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star status. This is Austin Commercial’s third VPP Star status and the highest national safety recognition given by OSHA. Currently, the lost time rate at the biomedical research building is 49 percent below the national average.
Each month, OSHA approves work environments to receive one of three VPP statuses: Star, Merit or Demonstration. In August, Austin Commercial’s job site at the biomedical research building was one of nine sites to receive approval nationally, and the only one in Texas. Currently, only 29 commercial construction sites in the nation hold VPP Star status.
Austin Commercial’s safety program exceeds the basic requirements of the OSHA safety standards. The program is more than written guidelines to abide by; it is a way of life for those who work on Austin Commercial’s job sites. Every employee-owner, from the president to each hourly laborer, is committed to building safe projects. All individuals associated with a project (including subcontractors) share this commitment.