East Hanover, NEW JERSEY, April 4, 2008 – Today the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognized Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation for maintaining an exceptionally safe and healthy workplace. David J. Socolow, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, joined U.S Department of Labor officials to celebrate the company’s designation as a Voluntary Protection Programs Star (VPP Star) site.

"This VPP Star award for the Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation is proof that the management and employees of this corporation are seriously committed to providing safe and healthy facilities," said Socolow.

The event, marked with a special flag-raising ceremony on the grounds of Novartis in East Hanover, New Jersey, honored Novartis’ star status – the highest distinction OSHA gives through the Voluntary Protection Program.

VPP Star sites surpass OSHA standards in protecting their workers. On average, VPP star sites have a lost workday incident rate of at least 50 percent below the average for its particular industry.

“The health and wellness of our employees is a company priority that we continually promote by fostering a vibrant and holistic culture of health, safety, and wellness in our offices, laboratories, and facilities,” said Gary E. Rosenthal, vice president and chief financial officer of Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation.

Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation, researches, develops, and markets prescription drugs used to treat a broad range of areas including cardiovascular, endocrine, and respiratory diseases. The company employs just under 10,000 workers with the majority based in New Jersey. The company's three-year total case incident rate of accidents or illness is 61 percent below the industry average, and its days away, restricted or transferred rate is 82 percent below the industry standard.

For more information on VPP, visit OSHA's website at www.osha.gov.