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Health & Safety 

Valero’s most important measure of success is the health and safety of employees, contractors, customers and neighbors.
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Safety Involves All Employees and Processes
Both occupational and process safety are integrated into every facet of Valero operations. Valero’s occupational health and safety program is successful because it is developed, supported and carried out by all employees, from executive management to the newest hire. The company’s process safety program instills safety and reliability at every refinery to push beyond regulatory compliance to operational excellence.
  • Valero’s recordable-injury rate has been among the lowest in the industry.
  • Valero refineries achieved their second-lowest recordable-injury rate in 2009, with 0.82 incidents per 200,000 working hours, following 2008's record low of 0.55.
  • Valero contractors at its refineries achieved the company's lowest-ever contractor recordable-injury rate of 0.74 in 2009.
  • Ten Valero refineries are "Star Sites," the highest safety recognition under the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). Fewer than 30 refineries nationwide hold the distinction. In addition, Valero's Corpus Christi Asphalt Terminal and San Antonio Aviation Department are Star Sites.
  • Valero's Commitment to Excellence Management System (CTEMS) was developed to provide a framework for excellence in operations, reliability, occupational and process safety, and the environment.
Planning for Emergencies

Valero invests in emergency preparedness and response training, technology and other resources to ensure employees are prepared to respond quickly to any emergency. Its program includes:

  • A consistent emergency management process and organization that has the ability to provide immediate and comprehensive support and response to affected facilities
  • Frequent training for all personnel, both responders and managers, in emergency management, incident command and tactical operations
  • Qualified emergency response teams at each facility
  • Relationships and contracts with emergency response contractors, suppliers and vendors to ensure availability of necessary resources
  • A regular drill and assessment schedule to ensure response readiness and identify opportunities for improvement
Ensuring Optimum Security
Valero’s advanced technology, sophisticated monitoring equipment and highly trained security personnel ensure facilities and assets are safe and secure. The company’s security enhancement initiatives continually safeguard employees and the communities where it operates. Initiatives include:
  • Enhancements in advanced technology and physical security that provide monitoring at all facilities at all times
  • Commitment to protecting U.S. borders against various threats to national security by participating in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • Dedication to securing nation's ports and modes of transportation through full compliance with the federal Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Development of security assessments for all Valero Renewables ethanol plants, including full federal Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) compliance
  • Alarm-monitoring for all Valero Retail convenience stores with immediate notification to law-enforcement agencies or emergency services when requested or required
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CTEMS has nine major elements, with detailed expectations for each, that provide a framework for achieving operational excellence:
1. Leadership Accountability
2. Protecting People and Environment
3. People Skills and Development
4. Operations Reliability and Mechanical Integrity
5. Technical Excellence & Knowledge Development
6. Change Management
7. Business Competitiveness
8. External Stakeholder Relationships
9. Assurance and Review