Local firm wins SHARP safety honors
The Labor Department’s On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program is pleased to announce that Thermal Engineering International (USA), Inc., has earned the distinction of being named the newest member of Missouri’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) for its excellent workplace safety record.
“We welcome Thermal Engineering International (USA), Inc., to Missouri’s elite workplace safety program,” said Larry Rebman, Director of the Labor Department. “The businesses that belong to this group are essentially the best of the best when it comes to providing a safe and hazard-free workplace. These businesses really care about their employees and should be rewarded for the commitment they put forth in protecting them,” Rebman added.
Thermal Engineering International (USA), Inc., began implementing a safety and health management program in 2006 after they had their first On-Site Safety Consultation with the Department’s Division of Labor Standards. These consultations are discretionary and are initiated by employers who want to provide a safe work environment for their workers. Businesses that achieve an excellent workplace safety record and eliminate the occurrences of injuries on the job can qualify for this exclusive safety and health incentive and recognition program. SHARP members also have lower insurance premiums, reduced worker’s compensation, and are exempt from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspections for up to three years.
“SHARP status is difficult to attain, but the results at our facility convinced us this effort was worthwhile,” says David Hill, General Operations Manager of Thermal Engineering International (USA), Inc. “The payoff has been a substantial decrease in injuries and consistent achievement of productivity and quality goals. The reduction in workers compensation costs has led to investments in facility equipment and decreased employee turnover.”
Thermal Engineering International (USA), Inc., was honored for their achievement during a ceremony at their place of business located at 2702 W 9th St. Joplin, Mo. Officials from the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, the Missouri Department of Labor, Division of Labor Standards, and On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program will present the business a Certificate of Recognition, a SHARP flag, and a proclamation issued by Governor Jay Nixon, which will further signify their achievement.
SHARP was implemented in Missouri in 1991 and has since offered the highest level consultative services to businesses with 250 or fewer employees. The Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program is the prerequisite for those who wish to be a part of SHARP. It is designed to promote effective workplace safety and health program management by helping the employer locate and remove existing hazards in the facility, thereby reducing injuries and illnesses. SHARP is a reward program designed to provide incentives and support to smaller, high-hazard employers to work with their employees to develop, implement, and continuously improve the effectiveness of their workplace safety and health programs.
To be eligible for SHARP, a company may employ no more than 500 total workers at all nationwide worksites. In addition, the worksite’s lost workday injury and illness rate must be below the national average for its industry.
For more information about SHARP or to request a free safety and health consultation, please visit http://www.labor.mo.gov/ls/safetyconsultation/index.htm or call (573) 522-SAFE.