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, Hartland,
Waukesha County, for achieving the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition
Program (SHARP) award 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.
“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 and with..”
“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 Packing with the SHARP
award today,” said State Laboratory of Hygiene Director Ronald H. Laessig,
Ph.D. “This plant has met and exceeded OSHA standards to create a safe and
healthy environment for all of its employees. Menasha Packaging now joins an
elite list of SHARP honorees in our state and should be proud of its
accomplishments.”
Menasha Packing, a division of Menasha Corp., employs 145 workers at its
Hartland plant. The company designs and manufactures corrugated packaging
and display products specializing in color graphics. 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, formerly in the Wisconsin Department
of Health and Family Services, will be moving to the Wisconsin State
Laboratory of Hygiene in early 2005. Call 608-266-9383 or e-mail
moente@dhfs.state.wi.us
information.
