NAICS Code: 339950-Sign Manufacturing

Number of employees: 155

Gemini Inc. is a wholesale manufacturer of made-to-order dimensional signage, plates, plaques, and industrial protective cases. They are headquartered in Cannon Falls, Minnesota with production facilities throughout North America. Gemini’s culture is built on its commitment to safety. Because of this, Gemini actively sought to partner with Minnesota OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation (WSC) and their Minnesota Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (MNSHARP) in an effort to continuously improve.

MNSHARP consultants have provided expertise and another set of eyes with their onsite visits. Their knowledge and experience have proven instrumental in pointing out potential safety hazards and collaborating with Gemini on solutions. The combination of in-person Consultation visits, mentoring, and guidance received from MNSHARP consultants has helped to steadily reduce the company’s Total Case Incident Rate (TCIR) from 2.64 in 2015 to 1.42 in 2021. Examples of improvements resulting from the partnership with the MNSHARP program include the elimination of pigments that increased potential hazards and the need for additional personal protective equipment, the implementation of spot-cooling to reduce heat stress at certain work centers, the installation of vapor collection hoods to improve air quality, and the use of air pressure regulators on air guns to reduce noise levels.

The site was initially approved for MNSHARP in 2009 and most recently renewed in 2021. SHARP acknowledges small and medium-sized businesses that have used OSHA On-Site Consultation Services and operate exemplary workplace safety and health programs. Small businesses that achieve SHARP status receive a deferral from OSHA or 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.

Over the years, Gemini implemented changes that resulted in a safer workplace and improvements to employee morale, increased productivity and employee retention, and decreased absenteeism. Reduced injuries have also equated to a reduction in insurance and medical costs, improving company profitability. Gemini believes in a “shared responsibility, shared results” philosophy and demonstrated this with a profit-sharing program. This proved to be a tangible benefit with lasting effects.

Gemini management says MNSHARP consultants have earned their trust and have worked as partners to ensure that employees go home safely each day. Employees also know that their employer cares about their well-being.

Companies interested in SHARP can contact their local OSHA On-Site Consultation program to discuss details and schedule an on-site safety and health evaluation. To locate the On-Site Consultation program nearest you, call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit www.osha.gov/consultation.