MEDIA RELEASE

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley, on behalf of Governor Phil Bredesen, today awarded DuPont in Old Hickory the VOLUNTEER STAR Award. The VOLUNTEER Safety through Accountability and Recognition (STAR) Award is the state's highest honor for workplace safety and health and a nationally recognized program.

Commissioner Neeley congratulated DuPont's employees during the ceremony held at the Old Hickory facility. "The teamwork of both management and employees is what this award is all about," said Neeley. "I am proud to be here today at this state of the art facility to honor the hard working men and women who have met the challenges of making their workplace a safe environment."

In operation since 1925, the 575 employees at DuPont's Old Hickory manufacturing complex produce non-woven fabrics for medical, industrial and consumer markets; specialty resins for microwave trays, dryer sheets and engineering resins; and a DuPont-Teijin Films joint venture produces polyester pellets used to make high-grade audio and video film.

"In DuPont we truly believe that all injuries and occupational illnesses can be prevented," said plant manager Joe Internicola. "We work each day to ensure that our operations are safe for the employees and contractors who work here, the customers who buy our products and the community in which we do business. We view this award as recognition that we are a leader in safety. However, we also recognize, as the VOLUNTEER STAR program does, that our work in this area is never done."

"We view this as an accomplishment in our journey toward creating an injury free workplace," said safety, health, environmental manager Keith Harned. "It is a true testament to the strong relationship between the site management, the unions representing the Old Hickory site, our employees and TOSHA and our ability to work together."

The main objective for participation in the STAR program is the improvement of a company's safety and health program, which helps reduce accidents and injuries. The program also allows employers to be removed from programmed compliance inspection lists for a period of three years. TOSHA consultants work with companies through the internal and external review that is part of the application process.

For more information on the VOLUNTEER STAR Award program, contact TOSHA's Consultative Services office at 1-800-325-9901.

(04-149)
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ANDREW JOHNSON TOWER, 8TH FLOOR
710 JAMES ROBERTSON PARKWAY
NASHVILLE, TN 37243
615.741.2257