Detroit, Mich. – Marathon Petroleum, Michigan Refining Division, in Detroit, MI, received the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) Star award from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) for workplace safety and health excellence.

“I commend Marathon Petroleum for demonstrating that a company culture that promotes management commitment, employee involvement, and a desire to excel in safety and health not only reduces injuries and illnesses in the workplace but can also be a positive experience in promoting safety and health for all,” MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said.

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

• Detroit Armor – Detroit Armor is the name assigned to specific safety meetings that were initiated in 2013. The meetings are attended by the Marathon Petroleum Corporation safety professionals and the safety professional from each contractor organization working onsite at the time (Contractor Detroit Armor). During the meetings injury and illness trends, near misses, audit findings, procedure changes, etc. are discussed. The meetings have helped to strengthen communication between the site and their contractors.
• Training – All employees receive the three-hour Safety 101 training, which includes information on the safe work permitting process, fall protection, hot work, etc. The Safety 201 course builds on information presented in company wide web-based training modules and the Safety 101 course. Safety 301 is still under development, but when finished it will focus on specialized work such as energy isolation (blanking/blinding, etc.). Safety 401 incorporates both classroom and “hands-on” instruction and is required training for various craft and lab workers.

“This recognition is a significant accomplishment for the refinery, and does not happen unless we have a culture that’s safety driven and focused,” said Detroit refinery General Manager Dave Leaver. “Our steadfast dedication to ensuring the safety of our employees and contractors, the refinery and our community is what we strive for, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team.”

MIOSHA established the MVPP program in 1996 to recognize employers with exemplary safety and health management systems that go above MIOSHA requirements. The MVPP program is open to all Michigan employers. To be eligible for the award, an applicant must have injury and illness incidence rates for each of the last three years below the industry average.

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