Holden Company Awarded OSHA's Highest Honor Given To Small Worksites

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s (EOLWD) Division of Occupational Safety recognizes the exceptional achievement of Woodmeister Master Builders, in the field of occupational safety and health.  Woodmeister Master Builders, located in Holden, is a manufacturer of interior millwork and construction company for residential homes.  On June 17, 2009, the company was awarded approval as a Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) participant, one of only 14 Massachusetts companies to achieve such an honor.   The SHARP initiative, managed by the Consultation Program within the EOLWD’s Division of Occupational Safety, recognizes small employers who operate an exemplary safety and health management system, whose workplaces serve as models for worksite safety and health. 

A Massachusetts business looking to participate in SHARP must:

·     Request a consultation visit that involves a complete hazard identification survey;

·     Involve employees in the consultation process;

·     Correct all hazards identified by the consultant;

·     Implement and maintain a safety and health management system that, at a minimum, addresses OSHA's 1989 Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines;

·     Lower the worksite’s Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) rate and Total Recordable Case (TRC) rate below the national average; and

·     Agree to notify the Massachusetts Consultation Project Office prior to making any changes in the working conditions or introducing new hazards into the workplace.

After an employer satisfies all SHARP requirements, the Massachusetts Consultation Project Manager may recommend the worksite for final SHARP approval and certification.  When a worksite is initially certified as a SHARP site, it is granted an exemption from programmed OSHA inspections for up to 2 years.  After the initial certification, the employer may request SHARP renewal for up to 3 years, provided that the employer meets certain conditions.

Massachusetts

SHARP companies:

·     Cape Resources Company, Marstons Mills

·     CSW, Inc., Ludlow

·     Island Terrace Nursing Home, Lakeville

·     Larson Tool and Stamping Company, Attleboro

·     LVI, Inc., Worcester

·     L.W. Bills Company, Georgetown

·     McNairn Packaging, Westfield

·     Proto-Pac Engineering, Wilmington

·     Sanford & Hawley Inc., West Springfield

·     Simmons Bedding Company, Agawam

·     V.H. Blackinton & Company, Inc., Attleboro

·     We Care Environmental, Marlborough

·     Worcester Envelope Company, Auburn