Koch Carbon LLC’s Bay Area Bulk Terminal has been recertified as a STAR site under the California Voluntary Protection Program. Recertification was awarded based on the facility’s continued outstanding safety and operational record and programs.
According to Pat Baldwin, vice-president of operations for Koch Carbon, “Health and safety is a top priority at all our facilities. Our employees’ continued focus on safety made this achievement possible.”
Certification is given by the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Koch Carbon’s petroleum coke handling facility first achieved VPP STAR status in 2008.
The California Voluntary Protection Program STAR recognizes employers and their employees who have voluntarily implemented safety and health programs that effectively prevent and control occupational hazards. The programs go beyond minimal regulatory standards and provide the best feasible protection at the site. Cal/OSHA VPP STAR establishments are considered to be leaders in the field of workplace safety and health.
Koch Carbon has owned and operated the Bay Area Bulk Terminal since 1996. The company’s Corpus Christi TX, Long Beach CA, and affiliate C Reiss Coal Company’s Green Bay WI facilities also have earned VPP STAR certification.
Koch companies have nearly 100 VPP STAR-certified sites. Other Koch companies’ VPP STAR achievements include: Georgia-Pacific was the first corporation to achieve VPP Corporate Pilot designation; and Koch Aviation and four of Flint Hills Resources’ Texas fuels terminals were the first in their industries to achieve VPP STAR status.