The Simi Valley Post Office at 2551 N. Galena Ave. has earned "Star" status in the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program.

The accomplishment was recognized at a public ceremony on June 11 when a VPP Star flag was raised in front of the facility. The flag may be flown for as long as the facility maintains its OSHA certification.

The local post office joins a small group of U.S. companies attaining Star status. Only six U.S. Postal Service facilities in California have earned this distinction.

"Management, employees and unions worked together diligently to achieve this honor," said Simi Valley Postmaster Sue Morris. "Our goal is to perform our jobs safely and go home healthy each day. When we change our attitude about health and safety at work, it follows us home and spreads to our loved ones. Safety becomes a lifestyle."

Over the past 20 years, the average Star worksite has had a 50 percent lower incidence of missed days and restricted work activity than the average worksite nationally.

Postal service Star worksites have experienced a reduction of injury and illness rates of up to 70 percent after completing the program.

OSHA created the certification in 1982 to recognize worksites that go beyond OSHA standards and implement exemplary systems to manage worker safety and health.