Contact:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661
Terry Moen, Wisconsin Health Consultation Program, 608/266-9383
MADISON – Gov. Jim Doyle today congratulated Menasha Packing, Green Lake, Green Lake County, and Oshkosh, Winnebago County, for achieving two Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) awards from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). SHARP honors small and medium employers that operate exemplary safety and health management systems and maintain an injury and illness rate below the national averages for their industry. The company was recognized at its Green Lake Plant on Oct. 13 and at its Oshkosh plant on Oct. 14.
“I commend Menasha Packing for joining the elite Wisconsin employers that operate exemplary safety and health management systems,” Gov. Doyle said. “This company has demonstrated very low rates of occupational injury and illness, indicating a strong, ongoing commitment to the safety and health of its employees.”
“Menasha Packing has demonstrated that it makes good business sense to take a strong, proactive approach to employee health and safety,” said Department of Commerce Secretary Mary P. Burke.
“It gives me great pleasure to help honor Menasha Packaging with two SHARP awards this week,” said State Laboratory of Hygiene Director Ronald H. Laessig, Ph.D. “Three separate Menasha Packaging plants in Wisconsin – Hartford and now Green Lake and Oshkosh – have earned SHARP status and are members of an elite group of just nine all-time honorees in our State. Menasha Packaging and its staff are helping set the bar for work environments that make safety and health a top priority for all employees.”
Menasha Packing, a division of Menasha Corp., employs 63 workers at its Green Lake plant and 15 employees at its Oshkosh plant. The company designs and manufactures corrugated packaging and display products specializing in color graphics. The Green Lake plant manufacturers low to medium volume corrugated packaging on two lines adapted for rapid changeover. The Oshkosh plant manufacturers and assembles complex packaging units with the corrugated sheet stock. It also repackages food stuffs into display cases or special count packaging.
The company met program requirements by requesting a full-service visit from both the Wisconsin Safety and Health Consultation Programs and correcting all identified hazards to safety and health. It also implemented and maintains an active safety and health management system that includes the broad categories of management commitment, employee involvement, hazard identification and control, and training and evaluation.
The WiSCon Safety Consultation Program at the Department of Commerce assesses current safety programs and recommends improvements; evaluates physical work practices; identifies available assistance; and provides training and education for managers and employees. WiSCon consultants do not issue citations, propose penalties, or report possible safety violations to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Contact the WiSCon office at 1-800-947-0553, or e-mail wiscon@commerce.wi.gov.
The Wisconsin Health Consultation Program provides free assistance to employers to establish and maintain a safe and healthful workplace. Consultants conduct on-site monitoring for chemical, biological, radiological, and physical hazards; perform ergonomic evaluation; assess the employer’s safety and health programs; and present occupational health-related training. This program is a service of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. Call 608-266-5240 or e-mail moente@dhfs.state.wi.us for more information.
