OSHA News

Smurfit-Stone's Uncasville Awarded Prestigious OSHA Safety Recognition

(Dec 01, 2007)-- Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's Uncasville, CT, containerboard mill has earned the prestigious Safety and Health Recognition Program (SHARP) award, the highest certification given to small employers for workplace safety and health. The mill is one of just nine Connecticut companies to receive the recognition awarded by the Connecticut Department of Labor's Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CONN-OSHA) and the U.S. Department of Labor.

The SHARP designation allows Smurfit-Stone exemption from OSHA's general schedule inspection list during the two-year award period.

A voluntary program, SHARP recognizes small employers who operate an exemplary safety and health management system. Smurfit-Stone's Uncasville mill employs approximately 100 people. Companies participating in SHARP must request a comprehensive safety and health consultative visit involving
a complete hazard identification survey and involve employees in the process. All identified hazards must then be corrected, with the injury and illness rates being lower than the national average for that industry.

"This is a particularly important recognition because of SHARP's goal to recognize employers that have achieved an exemplary level of occupational safety and health management, to reduce injuries and
illnesses, and to provide a means for showing other employers that occupational safety and health can work for everyone," said Patrick J. Moore, Smurfit-Stone chairman and chief executive officer.

"The SHARP award reflects strong employer and employee commitment to safety and health in the workplace," said Richard Palo, director of CONN-OSHA.

In a statement of recognition, Connecticut governor Jodi Rell cited the mill's commitment to the well being of its employees and its standing in the community. In her proclamation, Rell said, "As a small business, you
have set a fine example for all of the state's companies to follow. Your concern for your workers reflects the highest standards of professionalism. You have proven to be a model employer, highly regarded by the public you have served and are well respected by your staff."

Share or bookmarklet this web page at: