Verso Paper Gets State Workplace Safety Award

Verso Paper Corp.’s Quinnesec Mill has received renewal of its MVPP Star Award, the state’s highest recognition for workplace safety and health, from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

“Verso’s Quinnesec Mill is to be commended for its exemplary commitment to workplace safety and health,” said MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski. “The mill management and employees have created a corporate culture where workplace safety and health are top priorities. Verso recognizes that a safe workplace provides the foundation for a productive workplace.”

MIOSHA established the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) program in 1996 to recognize employers actively working toward achieving excellence in workplace safety and health. Since 1999, Michigan has recognized only 27 companies with the MVPP Star Award, the most prestigious safety and health award given in the state. Verso’s Quinnesec Mill first received MVPP Star approval in May 2001, and has since recertified three times.

“We’re very proud of our MVPP Star recertification and of our industry-leading safety performance,” said Verso’s Quinnesec Mill Manager Adam St. John. “However, we’re most proud that our people are working more safely and we’re moving closer to an environment where no one gets hurt at work. To help us reach our ultimate goal of zero injuries, we’re building a culture where caring and accountability are one and the same. Our leaders, at every level across the mill, are demonstrating that they care by engaging our people in the safety process. They clarify safety expectations and ‘walk the talk.’”

Verso’s Quinnesec Mill is a state-of-the-art facility that manufactures hardwood kraft pulp and high-quality coated printing paper used in magazines and catalogs. The mill is capable of producing over 1100 tons per day of coated freesheet paper and 900 tons per day of pulp.