Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations News Release

Bob Holden
Governor

Catherine B. Leapheart
Director

Tammy Cavender
Public Information Coordinator

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tammy Cavender (573) 751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 23, 2003

Jefferson City, MO – Classic Woodworking in St. Louis, MO has earned the distinction of being named the newest member of Missouri’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).  Classic Woodworking implemented the SHARP safety management program and achieved an excellent workplace safety record qualifying them for this exclusive safety and health incentive and recognition program.

Classic Woodworking will be honored for their achievement during a ceremony October 28, 2003. Representatives of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Missouri Division of Labor Standards’ On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program will present a Certificate of Recognition, proclamation from Governor Holden and a SHARP flag to Dave Hutchinson, owner of the company.

“We are very pleased to have Classic Woodworking join the SHARP program,” said Robert Simmons, On- Site Safety and Health Consultation Program manager.  “They have worked hard to put into place an exemplary safety and health program that will help them prevent job-related injuries and illnesses in their facility.”

SHARP is the ultimate level consultative services program of the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program.  It is designed to promote effective workplace safety and health program management and provide model safety and health management programs.  SHARP is also 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 have no more than 250 employees at the work site and not more than 500 total employees at all sites controlled.  The work site’s lost workday injury and illness (LWDII) rate must be below the national average for their industry.

Presently, 19 Missouri companies participate in the SHARP program.  Approximately 144,000 Missouri companies are eligible. Criteria for inclusion in the program include management leadership and employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training.

For information about SHARP or to request a free safety consultation, please call the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Division of Labor Standards at (573) 751-3403 or visit their website at www.dolir.mo.gov/ls.