The SHARP designation is awarded to those businesses that have used OSHA's On-Site Consultation Program services and operate exemplary safety and health programs. SHARP recognizes companies with fewer than 250 employees at the site (and fewer than 500 US employees) that enter this elective program and achieve an outstanding injury and illness prevention rating.

“SHARP certification can take years to achieve, and requires a substantial commitment in time and resources,” said Rohrig. “It’s not just about putting safety guards in place, or doing noise sampling. Instead, it requires a whole system, a whole culture of safety from the newest employee to the president or CEO of the company.”

Earning their SHARP designation required that Miura go through an exhaustive review of procedures and process, while having all employees participate in weeks of safety training performed at the beginning of the workday, with a new monthly topic introduced to all employees, including office staff.

Each department within Miura also held five minute Safety Huddles at the beginning of the shift and upon returning from lunch. Each member of the department was responsible for addressing a certain topic for each meeting. These huddles met each workday to get the employee’s mind on practicing safe work habits.

“Going through the SHARP certification process helped to make Miura an even safer company, since it allowed us to identify critical areas that required additional solutions,” stated Murakami. “In one instance, we addressed a concern by investing in fifteen new welding hoods. It was a small price to pay for keeping our welders safe, and a great investment considering that it helped to reduce related injuries. Investing in safety and health measures is always worth it.”

“A company’s commitment to workplace safety and health is completely tied into the production and quality of their products,” said Rohrig, “because many of the same preventative maintenance and inspection protocols are used throughout. The mindset of constantly working to achieve maximum safety is apparent in everything they do.”

Companies that earn the OSHA SHARP designation must also have injury and illness rates below the national average.

“Currently, there are nine SHARP designated companies in Georgia,” stated Rohrig. “That small number should provide a basis for understanding just how difficult it is to qualify for this certification. It takes a lot of effort and a special kind of company to do that.”

“Providing a safe and healthy workplace for workers is simply good business, since it often helps build employee appreciation and loyalty,” said Murakami. “SHARP designation is also a real advantage in attracting new employees who value the commitment a company makes on their behalf. “If you have employees that are safe, then the moral is better. If you care more about them, they typically care more about you.”

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