Cintas Corporation has become the first company to reach 100 sites with Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star certification from OSHA. The company’s Dayton, Ohio location became its 100th VPP location in early 2019.

“Safety is woven into the DNA of Cintas’ culture, and we are extremely proud of this accomplishment,” said Scott Farmer, Chairman and CEO, Cintas. “Nearly 45,000 Cintas employee-partners across the country go to work every day, and it is our mission to make sure everyone goes home safe.”

Cintas products include uniforms, entrance and logo mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, first aid, safety, fire protection products and services, and industrial carpet and tile cleaning.

VPP Star is OSHA’s highest recognition for the practice of and commitment to exemplary occupational safety and health, earned by businesses who meet rigorous safety requirements. OSHA's verification process includes an application review and a thorough onsite evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health experts. Star-certified sites have comprehensive, successful safety and health programs, injury and illness rates below the national average for their industry and a history of having demonstrated good faith in dealings with OSHA.

Once a company receives its Star certification, part of its mandate is to participate, if asked, in a mentoring program that matches a potential VPP site with a current VPP site. The mentor site helps the candidate improve its safety and health management system and assists managers and employees in preparing for participation in VPP.

“Cintas’ commitment to the VPP safety management system, to protecting its people, and to VPPPA is model for all businesses across the country to follow,” said J.A Rodriguez, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Voluntary Protection Program Participants Association (VPPPA). “The dramatic drop in injury rates over the last decade is the byproduct of this organizational commitment and of the common goal that is VPP excellence.”

Cintas began its journey to VPP in 2010 and its Chandler, Arizona facility was the first to receive VPP certification. Cintas is the number one participant in the nation for companies with VPP sites, with approximately 250 facilities throughout the world actively pursuing VPP recognition by OSHA or the equivalent under a similar certifying body.