Two Hancock Lumber Sawmills Earn SHARP Workplace Safety Award
Ryefield Sawmill manager, Mike Shane, hangs the official SHARP flag at the Casco Sawmill.
Two of Hancock Lumber’s Eastern White Pine Mills have earned certification into the United States Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). The USDOL recognizes small business employers who have used OSHA’s consultation program services and operate an exemplary injury and illness prevention program.
Company President, Kevin Hancock, commented on the honor, “Hancock Lumber’s SHARP certification at our Bethel and Ryefield sawmills is a reflection of the Hancock culture – a place where employee safety, wellness, and engagement are all a top priority. I am so proud to be connected to all our employees who earned this recognition – the lumber business is not an easy one, and our team is so good as what they do. Their commitment to workplace safety is world-class.”
Hancock’s Bethel Sawmill team celebrates their SHARP and Best Places to Work in ME awards.
Acceptance of a company’s worksite into SHARP from OSHA is a significant achievement. Fewer than 2,000 companies nationwide have earned SHARP certification, and out of 44,000 companies in Maine, only 63 sites have earned SHARP certification. In a ‘high-hazard’ industry such as lumber manufacturing, this is a tremendous accomplishment. Team Hancock’s top priority is safety and every employee takes great pride in his or her role to ensure a safe worksite each day.
Senator Susan Collins sent a hand-written note to congratulate the company, “This prestigious recognition reflects your outstanding commitment to workplace safety and wellness. I am delighted to hear of Hancock Lumber’s continued leadership and success…I look forward to your future contributions to the State of Maine in the years to come.”
To qualify for SHARP, companies must undergo a comprehensive audit, correct all hazards identified during an onsite health and safety consultation, demonstrate that effective safety and health programs are in place and maintain injury rates below the industry average for the last year of completed data. In addition to recognizing the company for having a highly effective safety and health program, acceptance into SHARP also grants exemption from routine OSHA inspection that can be renewed every two years.
Established in 1848, Hancock Lumber Company is a 6th generation, family-owned business operating a timberland company, three Eastern White Pine sawmills, and a network of retail lumberyards and home design showrooms across Maine & New Hampshire. Led by their 460 employees, Hancock has been selected as a ‘Best Place to Work in Maine’ three times, in 2014, 2015, and 2016. The company is also a past recipient of the Maine Family Business of the Year Award, the Governor’s Award for Business Excellence, and the MITC ‘Exporter of the Year’ award. To learn more about the company, please visit www.HancockLumber.com.
Team Hancock Celebrates their SHARP Certification at the Ryefield (Casco) Sawmill
For more information, please contact Erin Plummer, Marketing + Communications Director:
Hancock Lumber • P.O. Box 299 • Casco, ME 04015 • (207) 627-2154 • email: [email protected]