Department of Labor Recognizes Hypertherm

Hypertherm, Inc. (Hanover, NH), a U.S.-based manufacturer of plasma, laser and waterjet cutting systems, is celebrating OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star recognition for their manufacturing facility at 71 Heater Road in Lebanon, NH. The recognition means all seven of their New Hampshire manufacturing locations are now designated VPP Star worksites.

The United States Department of Labor’s OSHA VPP Program acknowledges organizations that have outstanding safety and health practices. Before receiving this honor, Hypertherm had to demonstrate a comprehensive safety and health management system involving associates from all levels of the organization. In addition, they had to submit detailed records and undergo rigorous 5-day evaluations by teams of OSHA professionals. The program also required that they maintain injury and illness rates significantly below U.S. Government averages for their industry. For 2015, the company’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.

About 100 associates celebrated with OSHA representatives and dignitaries during a short ceremony and luncheon at their newest VPP facility. Dignitaries included representatives from the State of New Hampshire, Governor Hassan’s office, and the offices of Senators Ayotte and Shaheen. “Part of our mission is to provide for the well being of our associates, and this includes creating a culture that is focused on safety. Our ultimate goal is zero incidents,” said Evan Smith, the company president and chief executive officer. “In order to focus our efforts, we are fully committed to the goal of meeting and exceeding the requirements of OSHA’s VPP for all of our manufacturing locations.”

Hypertherm designs and manufactures advanced cutting products for use in a variety of industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and automotive repair. Their product line includes plasma, laser and waterjet cutting systems, in addition to CNC motion and height controls, CAM nesting software, robotic software and consumables. The 100 percent associate-owned company, consistently named a best place to work, has more than 1,400 associates along with operations and partner representation worldwide.

www.hypertherm.com