In January, the ExxonMobil Beaumont Chemical Plant celebrated its 39th year being recognized as a Star Site within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).
The Beaumont Chemical Plant was first recognized by VPP in 1984 and has continued to be reapproved consistently for nearly four decades.
“The ExxonMobil Beaumont Chemical Plant is one of approximately 2,000 VPP Star Worksites within the United States, and is amongst the top five longest-standing Star Worksites within the program,” said Mark Briggs, OSHA Houston South Area Office Director.
According to VPP, participants serve as models for other employers, workers, and unions by operating excellent safety and health management programs. Achieving a level of worker protection that goes beyond compliance with government regulations is commendable.
During the celebration of excellence, Beaumont Mayor Robin Mouton presented a certificate of appreciation to the ExxonMobil Beaumont Chemical Plant team for their efforts in supporting safe operations.
“This honor signifies the long-standing efforts taken to continue the site’s participation within the esteemed program,” said Michael Mustian, ExxonMobil Beaumont Chemical Plant Manager. “Safety comes first and foremost in all that we do, and that has been displayed throughout the 39 years the chemical plant has achieved this recognition.”
To participate in the program, employers must submit an application to OSHA and undergo a rigorous onsite evaluation by a team of safety and health professionals. VPP participants are re-evaluated every three to five years to remain in the program. The information utilized by the VPP evaluation team to make their decision included documentation reviewed on-site, previous on-site evaluation reports, interviews with employees, annual evaluations, and on-site walk-throughs of the facility.
Approval into the program is OSHA's official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees.
“I am proud to lead a workforce that passionately strives for safety excellence. The dedication to safety and the relentless pursuit of excellence across all chemical plant operations on a daily basis is just one example of the world-class performance taking place here in Beaumont,” said Mustian.
The ExxonMobil Beaumont Chemical Plant produces building-block chemicals such as ethylene and propylene, synthetic fluids and lubricant base-stocks, and more than 25 different types of zeolite catalyst to safely and reliably support consumer’s needs. Each day, BMCP produces up to 5.6 million pounds of ethylene, 7,000 barrels of paraxylene and 800,000 pounds of synthetic fluids.
