WS Display Honored with Cal/OSHA’s Golden Gate Recognition for Workplace Safety
by Mark Hebert, Exhibit City News
WS Display, a leading provider of trade show displays and large-format digital printing, has been honored with the Golden Gate Recognition from the Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Branch. This accolade acknowledges the company’s commitment to workplace safety through their robust Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP).
The award follows a comprehensive evaluation during a visit by Cal/OSHA to WS Display’s headquarters in Carlsbad, California, on June 24, 2024. The award acknowledges the company’s compliance with the T8CCR, section 3203, which outlines the requirements for an effective IIPP.
Jose Hernandez, Human Resources Manager at WS Display, emphasized the collaborative effort behind this achievement. “Receiving the OSHA Golden Gate Partnership recognition is a significant milestone for our company,” Hernandez said. “It demonstrates our commitment to exceptional workplace safety and health practices.”
Hernandez detailed the steps WS Display took to earn this recognition. “Our journey involved implementing essential safety protocols and continuously improving existing ones. This would not have been possible without the support of our executive team, who prioritized safety and allocated important resources towards these improvements.”
The Golden Gate Recognition is designed to motivate employers to work proactively with the Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Branch. It is site-specific and valid for one year, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in safety practices. To qualify, a company must undergo a Cal/OSHA Consultation on-site visit and meet specific safety and health management system criteria.
An effective IIPP includes several critical components: clear responsibility for safety, compliance rules for employees, effective communication, thorough hazard assessment, investigation of accidents and exposures, timely hazard correction, comprehensive training, and reliable record keeping, according to the group. These elements ensure a strong and effective safety program, crucial for maintaining a safe work environment.
Hernandez acknowledged the challenges faced during the implementation of the IIPP, noting, “All changes require an adjustment period. It’s common for staff to be accustomed to certain routines, even if they’re not always the safest. Through training and constant communication, we’ve been able to connect with our staff and clearly convey that these changes are designed to ensure their safety.”
The recognition by Cal/OSHA underscores WS Display’s dedication to not only producing quality products but also ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees. Founded in 2001, WS Display has grown from a small startup in a garage to a company with significant operations in Carlsbad, California, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and Tijuana, Mexico.
Looking ahead, Hernandez emphasized the ongoing nature of their safety efforts. “Maintaining this recognition requires a continuous commitment to safety and health. This includes regularly updating safety programs, engaging employees, and continuing to work with OSHA and other safety organizations.”
WS Display’s recognition serves as a notable achievement in their broader mission to prioritize safety across all their operations. The company continues to grow, focusing on providing top-quality display hardware and custom signage, while maintaining a strong commitment to workplace safety, according to Hernandez.
