AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) today announced that its Houston chemical plant has earned certification to Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star Status by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).

VPP certification recognizes companies for outstanding safety and health management systems and for maintaining injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages. It is attained only after intensive and lengthy preparation, extensive employee interviews and rigorous onsite evaluation conducted by health and safety professionals. Star status is OSHA's highest VPP certification level.

Goodyear Houston is the fourth of the company's four U.S. chemical plants to achieve VPP certification, underscoring Goodyear's long-term commitment to safety leadership.

"VPP certification is a major achievement and reflects the hard work and unwavering commitment of our associates to safety excellence," said Brad Ioerger, general manager, North America Chemical Operations for Goodyear. "We will expand on this success by engaging with other Goodyear facilities, as well as other VPP Star companies, in best practice sharing and proactive collaboration to continue strengthening our safety and environmental health capabilities and elevate safety practices throughout our industry."

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 65,000 people and manufactures its products in 47 facilities in 21 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate. 

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SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company