At ELLWOOD National Forge, safety is not just a priority, it is a core value embedded in every process, every shift, and every team member's daily work. That commitment has now been recognized at the highest level. 

ELLWOOD National Forge has officially earned Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star Status from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a prestigious designation that places the company among an elite group of organizations leading the way in workplace safety.

What VPP Star Status Means
The VPP Star designation is the highest level of recognition within OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program. It is awarded to companies that demonstrate exception safety and health management systems, with injury and illness rates below industry averages and a strong culture of continuous improvement. 

This is not an award that is given lightly. It reflects years of dedication, rigorous evaluation, and a company-wide commitment to doing things the right way.

A Decade in the Making
For ELLWOOD National Forge, achieving VPP Star Status represents nearly a decade of focused effort. From strenghtening safety protocols to investing in training and empowering team members to take an active role in hazard prevention, this milestone is the result of sustained teamwork and accountability. 

This program emphasizes collaboration between leadership and team members, ensuring that safety is not top-down, but shared across the organization. 

Safety is a Shared Responsibility
What truly sets VPP Star organizations apart is culture. At ELLWOOD National Forge, safety is not confined to policies or procedures, it is lived out daily by team members who look out for one another. 

From proactive hazard identification to continuous training and open communication, team members play a critical role in maintaining a safe work environment. This collective ownership helps ensure that everyone goes home the same way they arrived. 

Raising the Standard
Earning OSHA VPP Star Status places ELLWOOD National Forge among a select group of companies nationwide recognized for safety excellence. It is both an achievement and a responsibility, one that reinforces the company's commitment to continous improvement. 

This milestone is not the finish line. It is a benchmark that drives the organization forward, pushing for even higher standards and stronger safety practices in the future. 

Looking Ahead
As ELLWOOD National Forge celebrates this accomplishment, the focus remains clear: maintaining a culture where safety is incorporated into every task, every decision, and every interaction. 

At the end of the day, success is not just measured in production, it is measured in people.