Local Company Awarded OSHA’s Highest Honor Given To Small Worksites

November 28, 2008—The Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety is pleased to announce the exceptional achievement of We Care Environmental, in the field of occupational safety and health. We Care Environmental, a recycling and composting facility located in Marlborough, was awarded approval as a Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) participant. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), SHARP recognizes small employers who operate an exemplary safety and health management system, whose workplaces serve as models for worksite safety and health.

A Massachusettsbusiness 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.

Massachusettsand OSHA will then formally recognize the employer at a SHARP awards ceremony. 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
Eco/Pittsfield Inc, Pittsfield
Eco/Springfield LLC, Agawam
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
Worcester Envelope Company, Auburn