Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661
Terry Moen, Wisconsin Health Consultation Program, 608/226-5239
MADISON – Gov. Jim Doyle today congratulated Rehrig Pacific Company, Pleasant Prairie, Kenosha 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 Rehrig Pacific Company for joining the elite Wisconsin employers that operate exemplary safety and health management systems,” Gov. Doyle said. “This company has demonstrated a strong, ongoing commitment to the safety and health of its employees.”
“Rehrig Pacific Company 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.
State Laboratory of Hygiene Director Ronald H. Laessig, Ph.D. Quote
Rehrig Pacific Company is the world’s largest manufacturer of returnable plastic crates and pallets for handling and transporting food and beverage products. 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.
Weyerhaeuser Company is a worldwide manufacturer of wood, cellulose, paper and packaging products. 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, all at no cost to the business. 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, is a unit of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene and may be contacted by calling 608-226-5240 or e-mail moente@mail.slh.wisc.edu for more information.
