FRANKFORT, Ky. - Labor Cabinet Deputy Secretary Mike Nemes joined officials from LIXIL on Thursday August 2, 2018 in Somerset to celebrate the worksite’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) certification for excellence in workplace safety.
“The Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health staff worked in close partnership with the LIXIL plant personnel,” Acting Secretary David A. Dickerson said. “Our goal each day is to enter partnerships with more Kentucky employers to help promote worker safety through high-quality education and technical assistance, at no cost. Receiving the SHARP Certification plaque is one example of the many ways we can increase awareness of promoting worker safety.”
“Attaining SHARP certification is a high bar ― we have worked very hard to ensure the safety of all our employees and are honored to receive this recognition,” said Wade McNabb, Vice President of Manufacturing Operations for LIXIL Americas. “Our safety philosophy is ‘Accept Only Zero,’ which means zero injuries, and is a reflection of our commitment to all employees.”
The Somerset plant has been operational since 1991, becoming part of American Standard Brands in 2009 and subsequently part of LIXIL in 2013. The facility currently has 36 employees.
LIXIL makes water and housing products. The local Somerset plant manufactures FIAT acrylic and terrazzo bathing and shower units, mop basins, and laundry tubs.
The SHARP certification was designed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to encourage and recognize excellence in occupational safety and health among smaller employers. During preparation for SHARP eligibility, employers have the opportunity to learn how to maintain safe and healthy workplaces through the development and implementation of proven and effective safety and health management systems. Upon achieving SHARP status, employers are exempt from programmed inspections for two years and subsequent renewal of the SHARP status may result in three-year exemptions from programmed inspections.
To view a list of companies who have earned the SHARP status and for all things, workplace safety in Kentucky, visit KYsafe.ky.gov.
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The Kentucky Labor Cabinet’s mission is to administer Kentucky’s workplace standards and workers compensation laws through education, mediation, adjudication, and enforcement, in order to promote safe, healthful and quality working environments for employees and employers; to foster cooperative relationships between labor and management and to promote fair compensation.
KySafe collaborates with Kentucky employers to promote worker safety through high-quality education and technical assistance. Our services provide employers the opportunity to improve economic viability resulting from workplaces free from injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
