Oldcastle Precast/Manchester is the first precast concrete facility to receive the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Merit Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Award. The VPP program was established to recognize companies whose commitment to safety runs throughout the culture of the company. In addition to reviewing the company's safety records, programs and history, OSHA conducts detailed safety interviews at all levels of the organization to establish qualification for the program.

Part of Oldcastle Precast's Building Systems Division, the Manchester, N.Y., facility produces Spancrete hollowcore plank and precast concrete structural systems. Bonita Petti, safety manager for the division, was credited for her efforts in spearheading Oldcastle's commitment to safety and with completing all the detailed records and programs that were required for the certification. The company's goal is to elevate from Merit to Star VPP status within the next twelve months.