Louisiana Operations Sets the Standard for Safety and Workers Health

Plaquemine, LA. - September 15, 2011

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has approved Dow Louisiana Operations for continued participation in the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) as a Star participant. Star status is the highest level of recognition within the OSHA VPP program, and this marks the fifth successful OSHA VPP certification for Louisiana Operations, with initial certification achieved on April 9, 1990.

William Burke, OSHA's acting regional administrator, said "VPP participants serve as models for other employers and workers by operating excellent safety and health management programs." Burke later added, "Achieving a level of worker protection that goes beyond compliance with government regulations is commendable."

Louisiana Operations' recertification is a culmination of an two-week re-approval process that occurred November 9-18, 2010. The process emphasized Process Safety Management Program implementation in addition to Worker Health and Safety System audits.

All Dow Louisiana Operations employees share in this significant achievement. Louisiana Operations held an employee-only party on August 4 to celebrate our commitment and dedication to worker health and safety.

"This prestigious recognition from OSHA VPP shows Louisiana Operations continues to set the highest standards in worker health and safety," said Gretchen LeBlanc, Dow Louisiana Operations Responsible Care Leader. "Our commitment to the surrounding community and to our employees' safety is our highest priority."

About Dow

Dow combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2010, Dow had annual sales of $53.7 billion and employed approximately 50,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 188 sites in 35 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

For Editorial Information:

Stacey Chiasson
The Dow Chemical Company
+1 225 353 4374