JASPER, IN - The Indiana Department of Labor has announced the Star Certification of Jasper Engines and Transmissions’ Jasper, Ind., remanufacturing facility in Indiana’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).

A ceremony, held April 12th at the Jasper facility, provided an opportunity for Associates, staff and management to showcase their exemplary safety status to state elected and labor officials. 

JASPER Safety Director Jason Pieper told Associates that VPP is all about management commitment and Associate involvement.  “Thank you for the safety practices you have put into Jasper Engines & Transmissions. You were able to reduce injuries 50 percent in 2011 along with maintaining production and quality goals.”

VPP, Indiana’s Voluntary Protection Program, was established to recognize and promote safety and health management programs throughout the state. All companies, regardless of size or business, can participate in VPP - where management and employees work together to create and maintain a healthy working environment.

“I just wanted to congratulate each and every one of you on becoming a Star Participant in our Voluntary Protection Program,” said Lori Torres, Commissioner of Labor for the Indiana Department of Labor. “What we have clearly seen with our VPP program is it’s the Associates believing that the program is for their benefit and their contributions to workplace safety.”

“Though we should be very proud of our accomplishment, we should not rest on our laurels,” JASPER Chairman/CEO Doug Bawel told Associates. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

“We had more overtime hours last year than anytime I can remember,” added Bawel. “Look what we did ... a 50-percent reduction in injuries. But it takes focus, and it’s up to everyone to believe in the importance of operating in a safe environment.”

The Jasper remanufacturing facility earned its initial Merit Certification in 2008. JASPER’s second remanufacturing facility in Crawford County, Indiana, achieved VPP Merit Certification in September 2010. There are only 58 Indiana companies to achieve VPP Certification at either level.