Oct. 15 is a day that will be remembered at PP&L, Inc.'s Martins Creek plant in Northampton County. That's the day that the U. S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration will present the plant with "Star" certification in the federal agency's Voluntary Protection Program, recognizing its outstanding health and safety programs.

OSHA's program is designed to recognize and promote effective safety and health performance. Sites that achieve "Star" or "Merit" status are a select group of facilities -- the Martins Creek plant is the first electric utility site in OSHA Region III, which covers Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. to earn the "Star" designation. Nationwide, there are only 485 sites that have earned recognition in the program out of more than 7 million companies that OSHA monitors.

According to OSHA, participating sites generally experience from 60 to 80 percent fewer lost workday injuries than would be expected at an average site of the same size in their industries.

Before awarding the "Star" designation, OSHA looks at many components that make up a safety and health program, including management leadership, employee involvement, work-site analysis, training and hazard prevention and control.

"This voluntary program recognizes that good safety practices and processes that go beyond OSHA standards can protect workers more effectively than simple compliance," said Robert J. Shovlin, PP&L's vice president-Power Production & Engineering.

"We're very pleased to be recognized with 'Star' status in OSHA's program. It's a result of the involvement of our employees and the joint effort with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1600 in our safety programs," he added.

"And, it's also a tribute to the commitment that PP&L and the employees of the Martins Creek plant make to working safely and maintaining a safe working environment."

In a letter extending congratulations to the employees of the Martins Creek plant, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge said, "Such a prestigious honor is indicative of your commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in your industry."

"The quality of your safety and health program is impressive," said Charles N. Jeffress, assistant secretary of Occupational Safety and Health in the federal Department of Labor. "The site's low injury and lost workday rates that have resulted from implementing effective systems, including training and employee involvement, are evidence of the continued efforts to improve safety and health conditions at your facility."

Richard D. Soltan, acting Regional Administrator for OSHA Region III, will present the award at a ceremony at the Martins Creek plant Friday (10/15).

Located along the Delaware River north of Easton, the Martins Creek plant has four generating units, two that burn coal and two that can use either oil or natural gas. The plant has about 260 employees.