Alaska Renews Seafood Plant's SHARP Status

State Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Dianne Blumer recently approved the Kodiak Plant of Trident Seafoods for renewal in the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) for continued excellence in employee safety and health programs.

"The SHARP program was one of the best things that ever happened to our safety program here at Trident Seafoods Star of Kodiak plant," said Ernie Cadabes, the plant's human resources and safety manager. "It became the tool we used to identify and improve in certain areas and it was, and continues to be, the tool we use to establish our goals for continuous improvement."

"Our AKOSH consultants never pushed, only encouraged. Never criticized, only motivated," Cadabes said. "They were our cheerleaders as well as our coaches."

The state agency encourages companies to achieve SHARP status because it makes them less likely to experience workplace accidents and also reduces their workers' compensation insurance costs. For a list of current participants, visit this site.

The Kodiak Plant produces fresh and frozen seafood, with part of the processing taking place on the Star of Kodiak, a permanently moored World War II Liberty Ship that was converted for seafood production. The company has 10 plants in Alaska and operates additional plants in Washington state and Oregon.

Source : OH&S Online