The Street Department keeps Freeport’s roads safe and passable by removing snow and ice, paving, mowing, and responding to emergencies. This essential work exposes employees to heavy equipment, paving machinery, and cutting tools in rapidly changing conditions.

Rather than wait for an incident to expose a weakness, city leaders acted proactively. After learning about OSHA's no-cost, confidential On-Site Consultation Program at a conference and hearing about SHARP, they requested an on-site visit to evaluate the department's workplace safety and health practices.

After their consultation visit, the City formalized new safety policies and training and designated a safety coordinator to help sustain the effort. Just as important, day-to-day behavior began to change. Employees became more active in reporting concerns, while supervisors strengthened follow-through by documenting issues and ensuring corrections were completed.

By identifying hazards, strengthening its safety program, and building shared accountability among employees and supervisors, the department reduced recordable injuries and illnesses to zero and earned Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) approval in December 2025—the first Public Works department in Illinois to achieve the distinction.

The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes small and medium-sized businesses that have used OSHA On-Site Consultation Program services and operate exemplary workplace safety and health programs.