Hypertherm recognized for outstanding safety and health practices

Hypertherm’s Tracy Hannett, David Cushman II, and Andy Barraby pose with OSHA Region I Deputy Regional Administrator Jeff Erksine (second from left).

Hypertherm, Hanover, N.H., a manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems, has received OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star recognition for its manufacturing facility in Lebanon, N.H. All seven of the company’s New Hampshire manufacturing locations now are designated VPP Star worksites in recognition of their outstanding safety and health practices.

Before receiving the recognition, Hypertherm had to demonstrate a comprehensive safety and health management system involving associates from all levels of the organization. In addition, the company had to submit detailed records and undergo five-day evaluations by teams of OSHA professionals. The program also required that the company maintain injury and illness rates significantly below U.S. government averages for the industry. For 2015 Hypertherm’s rate was less than two incidents per 100 full-time associates, compared with an industry average of more than four incidents per 100 workers.