What does it take to earn statewide recognition for maintaining a safety and health program that makes your business stand out from the pack? Keep reading to learn what two Michigan businesses did to earn accolades.
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Two Michigan companies, Columbian Logistics Network/Grand Rapids Distribution Center, and Glastender Incorporated, a Saginaw manufacturer of bar equipment, have been awarded renewed status as Safety and Health Achievement Program (SHARP) worksites by Michigan OSHA.
Like federal OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs, MSHARP acknowledges employers and employees committed to creating a workplace culture that makes safety their top priority. The Michigan program helps small manufacturers develop, implement, and continuously improve their safety and health management systems.
Columbian Logistics executive vice president Robert Christian says safety is his company’s number one value. “Achieving MSHARP status further underscores our ability to provide complete supply chain management solutions to our customers who entrust us with the safe and efficient handling of their goods.”
Glastender vice president Kim Norris credits the shared commitment of employees and safety leadership with his company’s performance.
MSHARP provides incentives for employers to enhance accident and illness prevention by anticipating problems, not reacting to them. Participating worksites earn an exemption from regularly programmed MIOSHA inspections on a yearly basis.
Among best practices in use by these award-winning businesses:
- Assigning chocks to each hi-lo truck to ensure trailers will be chocked before being loaded and unloaded.
- Adding blue lights to make the hi-los visible to pedestrians and other operators.
- Switching from wooden to steel carts on the manufacturing floor to improve safety and quality.