Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP)

Defer OSHA Inspections and Add Your Name to the List of Maine SHARP Companies

SafetyWorks!, along with OSHA, has a special program to recognize achievements in workplace safety and health by employers. The program is called SHARP, the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program. SHARP is for small, private, high hazard workplaces with 250 employees or less.

SHARP Certified Employers Market Square Health Care, S. Paris Franciscan Home, Eagle Lake Mercy Home, Eagle Lake Fraser Timber, Masardis Fraser Timber, Ashland Robbins Lumber, Searsmont Limington Lumber, East Baldwin Marden's, Ellsworth Marden's, Presque Isle Marden's, Main St. Calais Hinckley Yachts, Trenton C M Almy, Pittsfield

Borderview Rehabilitation and Living Center Presenting the SHARP certificate to Borderview Rehabilitation and Living Center is Dave Wacker of SafetyWorks! Borderview reduced musculoskeletal injury rates through an ergonomics program involving employee participation and feedback, workstation and equipment modifications, and reassessment of the changes that they make.

Pride Manufacturing Pride Manufacturing Safety Committee members and Department of Labor representatives proudly display the SHARP certificate. Pride manufactures hardwood turnings that have been used in the furniture, craft & hobby, and toy industries for over 40 years. Pride's safety program has saved the company almost $200,000 in three years.

What Do I Get from SHARP?

Once you have completed the requirements of SHARP, your facility will be removed from OSHA’s programmed inspection list. Some insurance carriers also recognize SHARP and may qualify your company for a premium reduction; check with your agent or carrier for more information.

You will also receive formal recognition from OSHA and the Maine Department of Labor. SHARP recognition is an excellent marketing tool and positive image-maker for your company and employees.

How do I qualify?

To apply for SHARP, your business must:

1. Have a free, comprehensive and confidential safety and health consultation survey of your workplace by SafetyWorks! consultants;
2. Correct all hazards identified within a reasonable time frame;
3. Establish and maintain the basic elements of an effective health and safety management system:
   1. Management Leadership and Employee Participation in the development and operation of program policy, goals, objectives and activities.
   2. Worksite Analysis to identify hazards, review injuries and identify trends.
   3. Hazard Prevention and Control programs and procedures.
   4. Training in Safety and Health for employees, supervisors and managers;
4. Commit in writing that you are willing to work with SafetyWorks! during a probationary challenge year to achieve SHARP success;
5. Notify SafetyWorks! when major changes in processes or conditions occur that may result in new hazards;
6. Request a second survey at the end of the probationary period to verify all SHARP requirements have been met; and
7. Maintain your Lost Workday Injury/Illness Rate below the national average for industry.

Start Now!

Develop a self-sustaining health and safety management system and participate in SHARP. It's a win-win proposition. For more information, contact SafetyWorks! toll-free at 1-877-SAFE-345 (1-877-7233-345). (e-mail: david.e.wacker@maine.gov)

Download a SHARP brochure (PDF, 132kb)