Aaron Spencer – December 10, 2012
An electrical contractor in North Bend is the latest company to earn a safety recognition through the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administrations SHARP program.
SHARP, or Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, teaches employers to be safer in the workplace. SHARP status also excuses a firm’s worksites from OSHA programmed inspections while its SHARP certification is valid.
The newest company to join about 65 other Oregon firms in the program is Reese Electric.
“Gaining SHARP recognition has been quite a process and helped us focus on safety in all areas – not just project sites, but right here at our home offices and shops,” owner Randy Rema said. “All of our employees are proud of the role they have played in earning this recognition and work every day to maintain it.”
But does SHARP totally excuse firms from inspection? Participation in SHARP does not eliminate regulatory enforcement – the exemption for SHARP participants is limited. Employees retain all workplace safety and health rights contained in the Oregon Safe Employment Act.
Oregon employers that have been in business for more than one year are eligible to apply for SHARP regardless of size or type of business.
via Does OSHA’s SHARP program really excuse firms from safety inspections? | Daily Blog.