Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP)
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDH) has announced that The Plastics Group of America has earned the prestigious Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) award. Under the terms of this award, the company has been granted formal exemption status from federal OSHA inspections for a period of one year through special recognition by the RIDH.
We have received this award concurrently since 1997. Last year TPG was the only Rhode Island company and one of a select few in New England to earn this prestigious award.
James Gamelin, RIDH Principal Industrial Hygienist, said that The Plastics Group is the only Rhode Island company to earn the award in consecutive years since he joined the RIDH 15 years ago. "The majority of companies we visit try to eliminate hazards," said Gamelin. "But The Plastics Group is way beyond that. They've put several systems in place to prevent injuries, and they have a model employee safety training program and documentation handbook."
"Statistically this is a very significant award," said Marie Stoeckel, Chief of the RIDH. "The Plastics Group management has shown a commitment to their employees by implementing long-term programs to ensure their safety and health."
The OSHA SHARP award is geared toward smaller (less than 150 employees), higher hazard companies that "demonstrate exemplary efforts in protecting the safety and health of their employees." The objective of the program is for OSHA consultation to provide incentives and support to employers who work with their employees to develop, implement and continuously improve the effectiveness of their workplace safety and health programs. SHARP recognizes programs that result in the immediate and long-term prevention of job-related injuries and illness.
ISO 9001 Certification
The State of Rhode Island and Governor Lincoln Almond recognize and congratulate The Plastics Group of America for achieving ISO 9001:2000 certification. The Plastics Group was one of only thirty-two Rhode Island companies recently recognized for achieving ISO 9001 certification. Rhode Island places a high regard for the initiative and hard work required in achieving and maintaining ISO 9001 certification. This dedication to a higher Quality Standard not only benefits The Plastics Group's customers but the State as a whole as well.
The State has established the Rhode Island Partnership for Excellence to further foster a standard of excellence in the manufacturing community. The Plastics Group has been awarded membership to this partnership for its foresight and dedication to a world-recognized quality standard.
