AVONDALE, La., May 14, 2010 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) shipbuilding facilities in Avondale and Waggaman, La., have been recognized for exemplary shipyard safety through official acceptance into the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-sponsored Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).

The Gulf Coast facilities in Tallulah, La., and Gulfport, Miss., were also recognized as OSHA VPP work sites in 2007.Â

OSHA representatives presented the official VPP status certification and flags to management and shipbuilders working at the Avondale shipyard and the Modular Construction facility in Waggaman this week.

"This is an exceptional accomplishment and reflects our shipbuilders' dedication to a daily healthy and safe culture," said Irwin F. Edenzon, sector vice president and general manager, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Gulf Coast. "This distinction clearly demonstrates our continued commitment to safety compliance, which means a safer work environment for our employees and a competitive advantage in the marketplace."

OSHA's VPP acceptance process requires a strong working relationship with management and labor, and proven safety excellence that goes beyond mere compliance with OSHA standards. The VPP recognizes those sites that implement a comprehensive safety and health management system resulting in lower injuries.

"VPP is an effective partnership between management, employees and unions, all working together with OSHA, to make workplaces the safest and healthiest they can be," said Bruce Stark, OSHA's Louisiana VPP Coordinator. "It is a cooperative relationship in which everyone works together with OSHA to establish a safe and healthy workplace. Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's employees had a challenging job and they rose to the occasion. These two (NGSB-GC) facilities should be proud of their recent inclusion in OSHA's VPP program."

To apply for VPP status, a company has to achieve reduced injury/illness rates as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and apply for certification. OSHA then conducts an on-site comprehensive assessment of the company's programs, interviewing employees and management to confirm that all aspects of the VPP requirements have been fully implemented. Sites that make the grade must submit annual self-evaluations and undergo periodic onsite re-evaluations to remain in the program.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. 

  CONTACT:  Bill Glenn
          Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding
          (228) 935-3972
          william.glenn@ngc.com