Michigan Voluntary Protection Program recognizes businesses committed to making workplace safety a top priority

LANSING, Mich.—PotlatchDeltic Corporation’s Lumber Mill in Gwinn, Michigan received the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) Star Award approval for workplace safety and health excellence for a third time from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).

“I commend PotlatchDeltic's Gwinn Lumber Mill for its exemplary commitment to protect the health, safety and economic security for all of their employees,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman (shown right).  “When exemplary safety and health practices are put in place, we’re helping to ensure that workers go home safe.”

Two best practices that demonstrate this company’s safety and health management system excellence: 

• A company-wide campaign was implemented to address the number of injuries incurred due to improper lockout-tagout practices. The campaign includes monthly training, demonstrations, testimonials, games and “Lock-Out Before Work/Test Before Touch” shirts for employees.
• Field staff is provided additional garments for insect protection and personal location devices to track staff working in remote locations. The MVPP program was established to recognize employers with exemplary safety and health management systems that go above MIOSHA requirements, and is open to all Michigan employers. MVPP Star sites must have injury and illness incidence rates for each of the last three years below the industry average to be eligible for the award. The incidence rates at the Gwinn Lumber Mill exceed those standards.

The MVPP program, established to recognize employers with exemplary safety and health management systems that go above MIOSHA requirements, is open to all Michigan employers. To be eligible for the award, MVPP Star sites must have injury and illness incidence rates for each of the last three years below the industry average. The incidence rates at the Gwinn Lumber Mill have exceeded those standards.

PotlatchDeltic-Gwinn Lumber Mill has long maintained a strong commitment to environmental, health and safety practices and considers it an integral part of the company’s business philosophy. PotlatchDeltic-Gwinn Lumber Mill first received MVPP Rising Star status in 2010. The company’s continuous improvement efforts and exceptional best practices have contributed to the achievement of a third renewal as an MVPP Star site. 

“We are extremely pleased to receive this well-deserved recognition for our safety performance,” Gwinn Plant Manager Ron Salisbury said. “Every employee at the Gwinn operation contributes to our safety ensuring we have a healthy working environment. We all share together a sense of accomplishment that comes with receiving this award.”

Learn more about the MVPP program at www.michigan.gov/MVPP

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About PotlatchDeltic
PotlatchDeltic is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) with approximately 1.9 million acres of timberland in Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Louisianna, Minnesota and Minnesota. Through its taxable REIT subsidiary, the company also operates six sawmills, an industrial-grade plywood mill, a residential and commercial real estate development business and a rural timberland sales program. PotlatchDeltic, a leader in sustainable forest practices, is dedicated to long-term stewardship and sustainable management of its timber resources.

More information about PotlatchDeltic-Gwinn Lumber Mill can be found on the company's website at www.potlatchdeltic.com.

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities.

Learn more about LEO at www.michigan.gov/LEO.