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Original Date: 06/02/1997
Revision Date: 01/18/2007
Information : Safety Program
Sharretts formalized its safety program in 1997. Previously, a safety program existed, but was not formally documented. Although the company has been very fortunate in recent years regarding serious injuries or significant safety-related problems, an injury accident occurred in 1996 and pinpointed the need for additional safety management and training.
The program at this stage is very basic. Sharretts appointed a safety manager to implement and develop the program. The safety manager, a senior management employee, performs the safety responsibilities as a collateral task. The program has direct involvement and participation of the plant manager. Weekly safety meetings are conducted and include the participation of management staff and shop floor personnel. At the meetings, participants discuss safety issues and identify needed improvements. The safety committee maintains minutes and action items at each meeting.
The safety committee has recognized the need for fundamental safety policies and procedures, and is actively identifying and implementing them throughout the company. One policy involved the establishment and enforcement of safety glasses in the shop area. The safety program focuses on employees’ awareness of safety issues and their understanding of the importance of safe operating procedures. The safety committee also produces its own laminated safety signs and posters using PC-based graphics software. Another measure adopted in 1997 by the committee is a formal training and certification program for forklift operators. The company purchased forklift operator training materials including a video, and has certified all of its forklift operators.
Sharretts has effectively increased employee safety awareness and instituted basic safety requirements. Future efforts will continue to focus on identifying and implementing needed safety policies and programs. The safety committee is examining methods to establish a drug-testing program for employees. These initiatives are creating a safer environment at Sharretts.
For more information see the
Point of Contact for this survey.
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