NAICS Code: 424690, Other Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers

KIC Chemicals, Inc., a distributor of chemicals to the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries since 1985, and a 2018 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) award recipient, began working with the New York Division of Safety and Health (NYS DOSH), On-Site Consultation Program in 2012. The employer learned about the on-site consultation program during a routine public relations visit by the NYS DOSH, On-Site Consultation Program. SHARP recognizes small business employers who have used OSHA On-Site Consultation Program services to develop and maintain an exemplary safety and health program. Acceptance of a worksite into SHARP by OSHA is an achievement of status that singles a company out among its business peers as a model for worksite safety and health.

The 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. On-Site Consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. Consultants from state agencies, such as NYS DOSH, or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs.

In 2012, during the first on-site consultation visit walkthrough, NYS DOSH consultants identified the following hazards: open-sided floor or platforms that were not guarded, unlabeled containers of chemicals, improper storage of flammable liquids, missing exit signs, and lack of a personal protective equipment assessment. In addition to identifying and assisting with hazard abatement, the consultation service assisted the employer in developing an effective safety and health management system; establishing training programs, a weekly and monthly inspection program, a safety committee consisting of five employees; and instituting a "safety first" culture among employees.

After working with the On-Site Consultation Program for a year, the employer was able to establish an effective safety and health management system. In 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018 KIC Chemicals' Total Recordable Case Rate (TRC) rate was zero. During this period, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the national average TRC was 3.14 for NAICS code 424690. [NOTE: 2017 is the most recent year national averages are available.]

With these accomplishments, the employer requested to participate in SHARP and was first admitted into the recognition program in November 7, 2013, and KIC Chemicals, Inc., has continued to participate in this program. Edward Kort, President of KIC Chemicals, Inc., said being an OSHA SHARP participant has helped the company improve business efforts in the following ways:

• "Every time we look for new quotes for business insurance of any kind, we mention our SHARP certification and explain what it is. Underwriters seem to be impressed and, in combination with our various other certifications, it shows that KIC is a lower risk than the average business."
• "When we hire outside contractors, we mention our SHARP certification and explain that safety is our primary concern. We believe that contractors behave differently in this environment and take fewer risks. At the very least, they know we are watching and will not tolerate unsafe practices."
• "We share our certifications with new customers and suppliers. Having the SHARP certification demonstrates that we are serious about running our business properly. It also demonstrates social responsibility (which is an important issue for many of our customers)."

On-Site Consultation and SHARP are voluntary programs. To locate the OSHA On-Site Consultation Program nearest you, call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit www.osha.gov/consultation.

Source: Edward Kort, KIC Chemicals, Inc., President
Kristina Boice, KIC Chemicals, Inc. Office