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SAVANNAH, Ga., May 21, 2003 – The General
Dynamics Aviation Services maintenance center in Westfield, Mass.,
has been chosen by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) to participate in its Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).
This prestigious program recognizes companies that have designed
and implemented exemplary employee health and safety programs.
General Dynamics Aviation Services, a wholly owned subsidiary
of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), is one of approximately 250 manufacturing/service
facilities representing all types of businesses across the country
that have been chosen to participate in the OSHA program.
"
OSHA welcomes the General Dynamics Aviation Services facility
in Westfield, Mass., into OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program
and is pleased to recognize this facility's achievements in occupational
safety and health,” said Marthe Kent, OSHA regional administrator. “This
workplace has managed to reduce its injury and illness rates
to levels more than 70 percent below those of other workplaces
in this sector. We look forward to continuing our relationship
with this General Dynamics facility in the future."
“
We are honored to be chosen to be a VPP participant and we appreciate
the OSHA representatives who recognized our commitment to the
well-being of our employees,” said Larry Flynn, president,
General Dynamics Aviation Services. “Since our company’s
formation in 2001, safety has remained our number-one priority,
both with our employees and with our customers who entrust their
aircraft to us.”
During a May 23 ceremony at the General Dynamics Aviation Services
Westfield site, OSHA representatives will officially induct the
aircraft maintenance facility into the VPP. The ceremony will be
attended by Frank Gravitt, deputy regional administrator, U.S.
Department. of Labor – OSHA; Westfield Mayor Richard Sullivan;
and Don Humison Jr., Massachusetts state representative.
In 1982, OSHA started the VPP program to promote safe and healthy
work environments throughout the country. Upon earning VPP status,
a company’s management agrees to continue operating an effective
program that meets an established set of criteria and the company’s
employees agree to participate in the program and work with management
to ensure a safe workplace. As a result of the VPP designation,
the work site is removed from OSHA’s scheduled inspection
lists.
VPP participants provide OSHA with proven examples and programs
-- often exceeding the requirements of OSHA standards -- that protect
employees. Additionally, VPP participants provide effective input
into OSHA’s standards-setting process and training opportunities
for OSHA staff.
Earlier this year, the General Dynamics Aviation Services Westfield
facility also was recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) for its training program. Westfield earned the Aviation Maintenance
Technician (AMT) Diamond Award of Excellence for the second year
in a row and received special recognition as one of 61 aircraft
maintenance facilities worldwide that had 100 percent of its maintenance
technicians participate in the AMT program. The industry training
recognition program, which was established by the FAA , recognizes
eligible technicians and employees with Bronze, Silver, Gold, Ruby
or Diamond awards.
In addition to Westfield, General Dynamics Aviation Services operates
aircraft service centers in Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Dallas and
West Palm Beach, Fla.
General Dynamics Aviation Services meets the maintenance needs
of owners and operators of Challenger, Falcon, Gulfstream and Hawker
business jets.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
General Dynamics Aviation Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of
General Dynamics, was formed in February 2001 to meet the maintenance
needs of Challengers, Falcons, Gulfstreams, Hawkers and other business
jet aircraft. The business jet service company serves a broad range
of business aircraft owners through regional maintenance centers
in Minneapolis; Westfield, Mass.; West Palm Beach, Fla.; Dallas;
and Las Vegas. For more information, we invite you to visit our
Web site at www.generaldynamicsaviationservices.com.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately
57,000 people worldwide and had 2002 revenues of $13.8 billion.
The company has leading market positions in land and amphibious
combat systems, mission-critical information systems and technologies,
shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation. More information
about the company can be found on the World Wide Web at www.generaldynamics.com.
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