UH Partner Earns OSHA SHARP Recognition

August 13, 2019

Headquartered in Tennessee, Interstate Packaging’s (IP) commitment to safety has earned them the honor of receiving the Tennessee OSHA (TOSHA) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) for two years in a row! This is a prestigious accolade that only 15 organizations state-wide hold at this time.

In January 2017, the IP and UH teams began revising the organization’s existing safety and health program, which began with an extensive ergonomics analysis of IP’s entire manufacturing plant. The purpose was to gather information from each lead operator regarding safety concerns and improvement suggestions, while also capturing photos of proper handling and maneuvers for each area. This information was then aggregated to develop a formal Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), also referred to as Job Safety Analysis (JSA), which were laminated and conveniently displayed on each piece of equipment. Readily presenting ergonomic information at each job station has proven helpful for new and existing employee trainings and quality assurance inspections. Additionally, the analysis provided an opportunity for employees to become familiar with the safety committee as a trusted resource — as well as identify which equipment needed to be replaced or fixed.

The comprehensive analysis, JHA and committed involvement from members of the IP organization not only drew the attention of TOSHA, but exponentially lowered their incurred loss cost. Prior to JHA efforts, IP’s loss ratio was 36% and today, it has been reduced to just 1.4%.

This month, United Heartland will attend the TOSHA ceremony to celebrate Interstate Packaging’s SHARP award renewal where they will raise their second SHARP banner. Congratulations to Interstate Packaging on your dedication to safety!

Do you need assistance developing a Job Hazard Analysis? Contact your dedicated United Heartland loss control consultant to get started at 800-258-2667.