S+B James Construction has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to workplace safety and health: graduation from Oregon OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, known as SHARP.
SHARP recognizes employers that operate exemplary safety and health management systems. The program, which is part of Oregon OSHA’s free consultation services, requires a five-year commitment during which employers work with Oregon OSHA consultants and their employees to identify and correct hazards, improve safety practices, and build lasting systems that protect workers. Employers may graduate from SHARP after successfully completing five years of participation and meeting program benchmarks.
S+B James Construction’s graduation from SHARP reflects the company’s strong safety culture and sustained commitment to continuous improvement. Throughout its SHARP journey, the company worked with Oregon OSHA safety and health consultants to evaluate workplace hazards, strengthen safety programs, improve employee involvement, and reinforce practices designed to prevent injuries and illnesses on the job.
“Graduating from the SHARP program is a testament to the dedication of our entire team,” said Allen Purdy, President at S+B James Construction. “Safety is not just a policy; it is part of our culture. This achievement reflects the daily commitment of our employees, supervisors, and project teams to creating safe, healthy, and productive workplaces.”
As a SHARP graduate, S+B James Construction joins a select group of Oregon employers recognized for going above and beyond standard requirements to create and maintain effective workplace safety and health systems.
Key benefits of SHARP participation include lower injury and illness rates, decreased workers’ compensation costs, increased employee morale, stronger employee involvement in safety decisions, and public recognition for workplace safety excellence. Employers that achieve SHARP status may also receive an exemption from Oregon OSHA programmed inspections for a designated period.
“The SHARP program is all about the culture of the business. Businesses that believe in safety are the companies that don’t have a lot of injuries, and they’re the companies people want to work for. S+B James seems to be one of those companies,” said Larry Fipps, OSHA Occupational Safety Consultant and Field Manager.
The SHARP program provides Oregon employers with a roadmap for continuous improvement through Oregon OSHA’s consultation services, including hazard assessments, written program evaluations, hazard-control recommendations, and hands-on training. Consultations involve no fault, no citations, and no penalties.