Safety Is No Accident

The marine and industrial development division recently received special recognition for achieving second-year certification of its safety and health program from the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OR-OSHA). Announcement of the certification was made by OR-OSHA officials at the August Port Commission meeting.

Acceptance into the program is a public acknowledgement by Oregon OSHA that a model safety and health program exists at the Port’s work sites and that safety is a company value. The Port was first accepted into the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) in 2009. OSHA developed the program to provide Oregon employers with coaching and direction so that they learn to more effectively manage workplace safety and health issues, and in turn, be recognized for their achievement.

Action Planning Team members who developed the goals for the second year and helped ensure they were successfully completed included: Todd Staple, marine maintenance manager; Scott Carter, maintenance superintendent; Jenifer Fonseca-Littrell, environmental specialist; Lyle Larson, lead landscape gardener; Ron Robertson, plumber; Richard Henry, marine carpenter; Bill McCormack, marine security superintendent; Justin Oser, marine security officer; Matt English, marine laborer foreman; Gregg Bieber, safety administrator; and Steve Eversmeyer, safety and loss control manager.

SHARP Award
Several Action Planning Team members were on hand to receive the second year certification from OR-OSHA officials.

Employers approved for the second and subsequent years can be deferred from scheduled Oregon OSHA inspections. Participation in SHARP doesn’t eliminate regulatory enforcement, and employees retain all workplace safety and health rights contained in the Oregon Safe Employment Act. After five years, employers are eligible to “graduate” from the program. The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program emphasizes continual improvement, and the Port will be expected to continue its strong commitment to making its facilities safe places to work and do business.

Related Link:
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program