[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12465]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE ARKANSAS EASTMAN FACILITY

 Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, I am pleased to have the opportunity 
to bring to the attention of the Senate very good news about the work 
of some of my constituents. The Arkansas Eastman facility of Brock 
Service Painting Company, located in Batesville, AR, has been 
recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration as a ``Star'' site under OSHA's Voluntary 
Protection Program. The OSHA Voluntary Protection Program recognizes 
exemplary safety and health efforts demonstrated by company management 
and employees in a cooperative effort to promote safe and healthy 
practices in the work environment.
  As you can imagine, I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of 
these Arkansas workers and their managers. The significance of their 
achievement is underscored when you take into account that since 1982, 
out of 6.2 million potential sites, only 1,041 sites have been 
recognized for their efforts in the Voluntary Protection Program. 
Moreover, only 20 contractors have been selected to receive the 
prestigious ``Star'' award.
  Not only have employees of the Arkansas Eastman facility maintained a 
safe work environment and adhered to safe work practices, but they also 
have consistently exceeded the regulatory requirements established by 
OSHA. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sites participating 
in the Voluntary Protection Program have overall lost-workday, and 
injury and illness rates 60 percent below their industries' averages.
  The dedication and hard work of these employees are credits to 
themselves, their company, their family and neighbors in Batesville, 
and the people of Arkansas. I am happy to recognize their achievements 
and to salute this notable accomplishment here in the U.S. 
Senate.

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