Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard employees Terrell Tate and Geordi Akuna carry the flag that is awarded to the shipyard for achieving the highest health and safety standards in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Programs "Star" flag was presented before change of command ceremonies today at the shipyard. RICHARD AMBO |The Honolulu Advertiser

A special flag-raising ceremony took place to commemorate the shipyard's attainment of "star," or highest level, status within OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs.

OSHA's VPP recognizes and promotes effective workplace safety and health management. Employers in the VPP typically achieve average injury rates at least 50 percent lower than others in their respective industries. More than 1,700 worksites representing more than 270 industries nationwide participate in the program.

"Through hard work, compassion for your fellow employees, team spirit and commitment to excellence, Pearl Harbor has achieved 'star' status in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs," the agency's Deputy Assistant Secretary C. Bryan Little said at the ceremony. "The VPP star is OSHA's highest level of recognition for safety and health excellence. You have reached this elite level — the best of the best — by realizing that the best way to protect each other on the job is by preventing injuries and illnesses."

OSHA approved Pearl Harbor as a VPP star site after a weeklong review of the shipyard's safety and health practices. The evaluation team commended several best practices, including the VPP Passport (an incentive program for individual employees) and an Ergonomics "Flex and Stretch" Program.