Statement

ACC Announces Agreement with VPPPA to Promote Improved Workplace Safety

Agreement will enhance communication between ACC, VPPPA and OSHA as well as provide channels for promoting the Responsible Care® initiative.

ARLINGTON, VA (April 13, 2009) – Today the American Chemistry Council (ACC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a partnership between ACC’s Responsible Care initiative and the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants Association (VPPPA) to advance the Responsible Care initiative’s commitment to enhance safety and health in the workplace.

Responsible Care is ACC’s signature environmental, health, safety and security (EHSS) performance initiative. VPPPA is a member based association made up of a combination of 1,900 companies and worksites that are involved in or are in the process of applying for OSHA VPP. VPPPA focuses on cooperative occupational safety, health and environmental management systems.

The objectives of this MOU include: partnering with VPPPA to provide information on safety and health, to expand outreach opportunities; and to work together with VPPPA, federal government and state government agencies to advance safety and health in the workplace. 

“The business practices of Responsible Care companies are the gold standard for health, safety, security and environmental performance,” said ACC President and CEO Cal Dooley. “We believe the recognition provided in this MOU underscores the ongoing efforts under the Responsible Care initiative and we look forward to working with VPPPA to promote continuous improvement in workplace safety.”

“With this networking partnership between the American Chemistry Council and the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association, we are strengthening the occupational safety and health community and adding value to our membership,” said VPPPA’s Executive Director R. Davis Layne.

“Responsible Care is building commitments and new relationships for advancing the U.S. chemical industry’s efforts to safeguard our employees, communities and the environment. This MOU recognizes our industry’s historic and continuing commitment to go above and beyond government requirements,” said Debra Phillips, ACC’s Managing Director of the Responsible Care initiative.

The Responsible Care initiative includes independent certification of a company-wide EHSS management system and comprehensive, publicly reported performance measurements. ACC member companies and Responsible Care Partner companies adhere to the Responsible Care program as part of their membership obligations. 

Learn more at www.americanchemistry.com/responsiblecare.