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News | Dec. 10, 2015

DLA activities at Norfolk awarded VPP recertification

By Jessica Roman DLA Distribution Public Affairs

The Defense Logistics Agency Primary Level Field Activities at Norfolk, Va., have been officially recertified with the prestigious Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program Star site status.  DLA activities at Norfolk include Distribution, Disposition Services, and Document Services.

The VPP Star site designation recognizes employers and employees who demonstrate exemplary achievement in the prevention and control of occupational safety and health hazards and the development, implementation and continuous improvement of their safety and health management systems.

Navy Capt. Harry Thetford, commander of the Distribution activity, was pleased to see the DLA team receive recertification.  “This award is not given to everyone.  Our entire workforce has put forth tremendous effort to once again receive Star status.” 

The field activities went through a rigorous three-stage process to receive the Star, and were the second in DLA to receive the prestigious award, after Defense Distribution Depot San Joaquin, Calif.

While the OSHA team was on-hand in Norfolk for the recertification audit, the Distribution staff treated them to a tour of the USS Wasp (LHD 1).  “We wanted to help them understand the importance of the job our employees do day-in and day-out,” said Thetford.

OSHA sites that achieve VPP recognition must perform a self-assessment each year and also go through a recertification process to maintain VPP status every three years.

“It is important for us to continue to all work as ‘One DLA’ to achieve a safe work environment, continue our commitment to safety, and to foster the right culture across the network,” said Thetford.