NEWPORT NEWS SHIPBUILDING EMPLOYEE HONORED AT VPPPA SAFETY AND HEALTH CONFERENCE

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Aug. 31, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) announced today that Michael Kinder, a machine hand at the company's Newport News Shipbuilding division, received a Safety and Health Achievement Program award at the Voluntary Protection Program Participants' Association's annual Safety and Health Conference.

"Congratulations to Michael on receiving this special award," said Dru Branche, Newport News' health and safety director. "It is a testament to his dedication to the safety and health of both himself and his coworkers. While safety has always been a company priority, it was added as a company value last year, and our values start with our employees. Michael has done a tremendous job taking the time to learn the many aspects of safety and health and to share these lessons with his team."

The VPPPA Safety and Health Achievement Program recognizes contributions of non-managerial employees at VPPPA member sites who have taken the initiative to learn and apply safety and health best practices. To be eligible for the award, employees must express safety and health program knowledge by completing a VPPPA workbook and perform safety and health outreach.

"The VPPPA Safety and Health Achievement Program offers a unique recognition of the association's members, which is a vital aspect in maintaining the momentum of employee involvement in a safe and healthy work environment," said Stacy Thursby, chairperson for the VPPPA's awards, achievement and scholarship committee. "The Voluntary Protection Programs could not be a success without workers, so the association created the award to recognize hourly and non-managerial workers who take the initiative to learn and apply safety and health best practices."

Michael Kinder, a machine hand at Newport News Shipbuilding, received a Safety and Health Achievement Program award at the National Voluntary Protection Participants' Association's annual Safety and Health Conference. HII photo

The conference took place Aug. 24-27 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas. Conference participants attended workshops, educational sessions and lectures from guest speakers. Topics ranged from ergonomics and injury presentation to Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) audits and safety culture.

Newport News has been designated as a VPP Star worksite, a certification by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, since 1995. VPP Star status is the highest seal of approval OSHA gives to a worksite in recognition of its safety programs and practices.