Media Advisory: Nov. 5, 2009

BWC Awards Two Lorain County Businesses for Safety Achievements

COLUMBUS – Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) recognized two small businesses by presenting them with the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) safety award. Ross Incineration and Ross Transportation, located in Grafton (Loraine Co.) were presented with the award which recognizes employers with exemplary safety and health management systems.

SHARP is a program sponsored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA.) Acceptance into SHARP is an achievement of status that identifies a business as a model for occupational safety and health. Businesses tha t achieve SHARP status are exempt from programmed inspections during the two-year period for which the certification is valid. After initial certification, a business may request SHARP renewal for up to three years.

“SHARP-certified operations exemplify the kind of safety culture we strive to see in every business in Ohio,” said Dr. Abe Al-Tarawneh, superintendent of BWC’s Division of Safety and Hygiene. Businesses that apply for the program receive no monetary incentive and pursue the program because they understand the benefits of a strong and successful safety and health program, which results in preventing accidents, fewer injuries and lower workers’ compensation cost.”

There are currently 16 Ohio firms that are SHARP-certified. To achieve SHARP status a business is required to complete a hazard identification survey performed by BWC’s OSHA On-Site consultant; involvement of employees in the safety consultation process; correcting any hazards identified by the consultant; and implementing and maintaining a safety and health management system. The implemented safety and health management system is consistent with OSHA’s 1989 Safety and Health Program Management guidelines; including lowering the number of days away, restricted or transferred (DART) rate, maintaining a Total Recordable Case (TRC) rate below the national average; and consenting to notify Ohio’s Consultation Project Office prior to changing working conditions or introducing new hazards into the work place.

The BWC’s Division of Safety and Hygiene provides education and training to Ohio employers at no additional cost. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) On-Site Consultation program is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. The program focuses on assisting small employers engaged in hazardous operations in recognizing, evaluating and correcting occupational hazards in their workplaces. OSHA On-Site Consultation’s services include on-site safety inspections and consultation, safety program assistance, safety and hygiene training/seminars and printed and electronic resources. The services are provided to employers upon request.

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