FRANKFORT, KY (11/17/12) – The Kentucky Labor Cabinet has awarded American Standard Brands of Somerset, Ky. with certification under the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, or SHARP.
 
American Standard Brands produces home improvement products.
 
A plaque signifying the company’s certification under the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) was presented to the employees of American Standard’s Somerset facility by Kentucky Labor Cabinet Secretary Mark S. Brown.
 
“SHARP recognizes employers who operate exemplary safety and health management systems and are committed to making safety for employees a priority,” said Brown during today’s award ceremony. “I am delighted to be here today to recognize American Standard Brands for their significant achievements in safety.”
 
The Somerset facility is implementing injury prevention, safety and health awareness programs to become the 18th company in Kentucky to attain SHARP certification. The American Standard facility only had two accidents in 2011 and one accident in 2010.
 
The U.S. Department of Labor designed SHARP to encourage and recognize excellence in occupational safety and health among employers and to create a proactive partnership with its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Although companies must meet federal standards for the program, the Kentucky Labor Cabinet presents the award since Kentucky has operated its own federally approved occupational safety and health program for over 35 years.
 
To qualify for SHARP, companies must undergo a comprehensive evaluation and a series of audits; correct any identified hazards; demonstrate that effective safety and health programs are in place; and maintain injury rates below the national average for their industry for the last three years.
 
Companies must have a safety and health program that involves all employees in finding and correcting existing or possible future hazards as they develop. SHARP's certification is good for two years and then can be renewed. A company is exempted from scheduled compliance inspections during the certification period but partners with the state to improve their safety program.
 
The American Standard Brands facility is a manufactures home improvement products such as shower floors, sinks and mop basins and many other products. American Standard Brands is a leading North American manufacturer of a wide range of kitchen and bath products that are marketed under American Standard®, Crane®, Eljer®, Porcher® and Jado® brands. They are a part of the Build.com network which is the second-largest and fastest-growing online home improvement retailer in the United States.
 
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Information provided by Ricki Gardenhire

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