CHICAGO, Jan. 25 -- The RR Donnelley & Sons Company Lynchburg, Va., print-manufacturing facility has been awarded Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) "Star" certification by the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). RR Donnelley's Lynchburg plant is the largest gravure printing facility in the United States to be VPP certified, and is the fourth RR Donnelley print-manufacturing facility to receive VPP Star certification. The others include RR Donnelley's facility in Reno, Nev., which is the only other VPP certified gravure printing plant, as well as facilities in Roanoke, Va., and Senatobia, Miss. According to OSHA, VPP Star, Merit and Star Demonstration certification promote effective worksite-based safety and health by establishing cooperative relationships between OSHA and facilities that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. Approval into VPP status is OSHA's official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health. Star certification is the highest level of VPP certification from OSHA. "RR Donnelley strives to continuously improve workplace health and safety," said John Paloian, Group President, Publishing and Retail Services. "Achieving VPP Star status requires a committed management team, an engaged workforce and continuous improvement. But it really comes down to a single factor: the quality of our employees. We are very proud of our team in Lynchburg, and of all RR Donnelley employees who understand that protecting our employees and preserving our environment reflects who RR Donnelley is and helps to differentiate us from the competition." Certification to the Star Program at RR Donnelley's Lynchburg facility was achieved, in part, as a result of injury and illness rates that are below the national average for the gravure industry. This high level of performance was attained and is maintained through health and safety programs that are self- sufficient in their ability to control workplace hazards.