Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Labor's On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program has announced that Winning Wheels, a care center in Prophetstown, has achieved the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) status. This designation is given to businesses that excel in workplace safety.

"Winning Wheels has joined an elite group of businesses across Illinois that have gone above and beyond when it comes to workplace safety," stated Dwight Brugh, On-Site's Safety Consultant. He highlighted the challenges faced by long-term care facilities in maintaining high standards of safety and health but commended Winning Wheels for their dedication to safe conditions for both employees and residents.

Mike Chastain, Director of Safety at Winning Wheels, expressed gratitude towards the Illinois Department of Labor for the SHARP certification opportunity. He also thanked Mica Chunes and the On-Site Consultation team for their support in achieving this recognition.

Winning Wheels provides various services including short-term care, rehabilitative therapy, and independent living with over 80 employees. "The management and staff of Winning Wheels have always been driven to make our facility a safe place," said Chastain. He emphasized their commitment to maintaining safety as a priority.

Achieving SHARP status involves several steps such as requesting a comprehensive consultation visit through On-Site, correcting identified hazards, implementing a safety management system aligned with OSHA's recommended practices, maintaining industry-standard rates below national averages, and notifying On-Site about any changes or new hazards.

Benefits of SHARP recognition include exemption from federal OSHA-programmed inspections during the certification period, development of innovative safety systems, improved employee morale due to safer workplaces, increased employee involvement in improving conditions, and enhanced efficiency by reducing worker compensation costs.

On-Site offers free confidential consultations for employers with up to 250 on-site employees or 500 nationwide. The program assists Illinois businesses in meeting federal OSHA regulations and supports those interested in pursuing SHARP status.

For more information about On-Site consultations or pursuing SHARP status, contact 800-972-4216 or email dol.consultation@illinois.gov. More details are available on the Worksafe website.