STATE OF UTAH LABOR COMMISSION
OSHA CONSULTATION SERVICES
SHARP
SAFETY AND HEALTH ACHIEVEMENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM
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The Utah Labor Commission OSHA Consultation Services, has a special program to recognize the achievements of Utah employers in workplace safety and health excellence called SHARP, Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program. SHARP, is oriented towards small, high hazard workplaces. Participation is open to employers with fixed work sites of 250 employees or less and a maximum of 500 employees corporate-wide.
Your business can be part of a very select group of employers who voluntarily take the steps necessary to ensure their employees' health and safety. By developing a comprehensive health and safety management system that is the basis of SHARP, you will not only protect your workers, but also reduce workers' compensation costs and insurance premiums, improve employee morale, and increase productivity. These kinds of paybacks have been enjoyed by hundreds of small businesses across the nation. To help you get started, the Workplace Safety and Health Consultation Services Program will provide free guidance and technical services.
To participate as a SHARP candidate you must:
1. Undergo a free, comprehensive health and safety consultation survey of your workplace.
2. Correct all hazards identified by the consultant within reasonable time frames.
3. Establish and maintain the basic elements of an effective health and safety management system.
· Management Leadership and Employee Participation in the development and operation of program policy, goals, objectives and activities.
· Worksite Analysis to identify hazards, review injuries and identify trends.
· Hazard Prevention and Control programs and procedures.
· Training in Safety and Health for employees, supervisors and managers.
4. Commit in writing to the Workplace Safety and Heath Consultation Services Program that you are willing to work with the consultant during a probationary challenge year to achieve SHARP success.
5. Notify the Consultation Program when major changes in processes or conditions occur that may result in new hazards.
6. Request a second comprehensive survey at the end of the one year or longer probationary period to verify all SHARP requirements have been met.
7. Maintain your Lost Workday Injury/Illness Rate below the national average for your SIC/NAICS code.
Once you have completed the requirements of the challenge year, you will receive formal recognition from the Secretary of Labor, UOSH and the Utah Labor Commission. Because UOSH believes Safety and Health Management Programs require less governmental enforcement oversight, your company will be removed from UOSH's programmed inspection lists for a period of 18 months. Most insurance carriers will also recognize your SHARP achievement and qualify your company for a premium reduction. SHARP recognition is an excellent marketing tool and positive image maker for your company and employees. Developing a self-sustaining health and safety management system for your business, and participating in SHARP is a win-win proposition for all. For additional information, contact the Utah Labor Commission, OSHA Consultation Services at (801) 530-6855.