Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing manufacturers small specialty and precision components, all made to exact specifications. Some of the industries it services include aerospace, agriculture, automotive, medical devices, and building products. Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing has been utilizing the services of South Carolina OSHA Consultation Program since 1991, but decided to increase its level of commitment to safety and health by working to achieve Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) status. The employer requested a Consultation visit in the fall of 2022, which began its journey to achieving SHARP.

A safety consultant from South Carolina Consultation visited the employer in December of 2022. The Consultation visits identified hazards including machine guarding, electrical, and material handling. The employer corrected the machine guarding hazards by engineering presence-sensing device applications for guillotine shears where employees accessed the rear of the machine to retrieve parts. The presence-sensing devices were installed where the activation of the machine cycle could not occur when employees were present at the rear of the machine. The employer’s additional procedures required a multi-level review of machines to ensure proper guarding prior to approving the machine to be put into service. The employer also made program improvements such as improving the approval process for powered industrial truck attachments where attachments were approved for use by the manufacturer.

The company was recognized into SHARP in 2023. SHARP acknowledges small and medium-sized businesses that have used OSHA On-Site Consultation Program services and operate exemplary workplace safety and health programs. Small businesses that achieve SHARP status receive a deferral from OSHA or the State Plan programmed inspections for the period that the SHARP designation is valid. Acceptance of a worksite into SHARP is an achievement that identifies the employer as a model for occupational safety and health among its business peers.

SHARP has created an environment where employees are involved in all safety and health program elements, hazard identification, and control processes. Management and employees approach everything with a “SHARP” mentality.

Companies interested in SHARP can contact their local OSHA On-Site Consultation program to discuss details and schedule an onsite safety and health evaluation. OSHA On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services to small and medium-sized businesses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards and how to fix them, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, train and educate workers, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs. On-Site Consultation services are separate from OSHA enforcement efforts. To locate the OSHA On-Site Consultation program nearest you, call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit www.osha.gov/consultation.