OSHA Cooperative Compliance Program
In the mid-1990’s, RIS shifted its efforts to a behavioral-based safety and health program resulting in numerous changes to its existing programs. One of these changes involved participating in OSHA’s Cooperative Compliance Program (CCP).
The OSHA CCP is a program offered to employers willing to work cooperatively with OSHA to reduce injuries and illnesses in the workplace, while establishing comprehensive safety and health programs. As part of the program, the State of Ohio Bureau of Employment Services, Division of Onsite Consultation, conducts an annual comprehensive safety and health inspection of the facility. During the inspection, apparent hazards at the facility are identified, all of which RIS corrects in a timely manner. RIS believes its participation in the voluntary program is consistent with its overall philosophy of continuous improvement of its facility and reaffirms its commitment to providing a safe work environment for its employees.
SHARP PROGRAM OVERVIEW
In 2019, Ross Incineration Services, Inc. (RIS) associates were honored by the US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with presentation of the agency’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) award, which continues to this day. RIS earned the SHARP certification under OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program.
MODEL OF WORKSITE SAFETY
The SHARP Award recognizes employers who operate an exemplary safety and health management system. Acceptance into SHARP by the OSHA On-Site Consultation Program is an achievement that singles a company out as a model of worksite safety and health.
EXEMPLARY SAFETY PROGRAM
The requirements to become a SHARP certified company are comprehensive. Multiple inspections are conducted by hazard evaluation experts, industrial hygiene experts, and OSHA supervisors. An OSHA representative said: “Our business is safety and when a company acknowledges that safety is part of what you do every day, then that is when you achieve SHARP status.”
SAFETY CULTURE
SHARP status truly congratulates associates for their dedication to safety. Ross Incineration Services, Inc. truly reflects a company-wide culture that is committed to preventing workplace injuries. Ross management and associates together have instituted an exemplary safety and health program; one that goes far beyond OSHA’s minimum standards.
SAFETY AT THE CENTER OF OPERATIONS
RIS’ focus on safety is critical for several reasons. First and foremost, because it affects the lives of every single associate, and the health and safety of our associates is our number one priority. It is also important because it contributes to the overall operation of our facility. Safety cannot be separated from other business objectives. It is at the center of RIS operations and directly affects quality and productivity. Some of the many activities that RIS associates have implemented to ensure safe operations include:
- Safety Committee — provides associate input to safety programs.
- Near Miss Program – enables RIS to prevent accidents by recognizing hazards.
- Accident Reporting Program— ensures that all accidents are reported and investigated.
- Inspection Programs — regularly inspecting storage areas, equipment, and safety equipment.
- Monthly Safety Training— reminds all associates that safety is critical.
Smith System Safe Driving Techniques – an in-house certified Smith System instructor performs this training. Training is provided for drivers who maintain a CDL. Drivers are certified bi-annually.