NAICS Code: 33791, Mattress and Box Springs Manufacturing and Retailer

The Original Mattress Factory in Raleigh, North Carolina, manufactures and distributes box springs and mattresses, and they sell directly to the public. The safety of its employees serves as the company’s top priority. “To strive for excellence in all we do,” said Reed Murphy, Vice President, “is very important and serves as the foundation for the company’s success.” To stay true to its philosophy of continuous improvement, the Original Mattress Factory looks for ways to develop their safety programs and enhance the work environment.

The company wanted to take a proactive approach to safety. In 2009, the Original Mattress Factory learned of OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program through North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL), Bureau for Consultative Services. During the initial visit, the consultant identified miscellaneous electrical, training, and labeling issues. The company immediately corrected these hazards and implemented various training and safety programs.

The employee safety committee conducted weekly housekeeping and safety walks as a team and monthly safety inspections. The company was accepted into the OSHA Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) in 2009 and has remained active in the program. OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes small business employers who have used OSHA On-site Consultation Services and operate an exemplary injury and illness prevention program. Acceptance of worksites into SHARP from OSHA is an achievement of status that distinguishes a company amongst its business peers as a model for workplace safety and health. The Original Mattress Factory’s most recent renewal was in 2015. “Becoming OSHA SHARP has helped the company achieve safety success that has become a part of our culture,” said Murphy.

The Raleigh factory now shares some of their success ideas with others. One notable idea involves having daily morning warm-ups and stretches with the manufacturing and delivery employees as a team. This daily morning routine helps reduce the number of repetitive motion and strain injuries that are typical of carrying heavy pieces of furniture, such as mattress and box springs. This proactive approach to preventing strain injuries is a direct impact of working with NCDOL OSHA’s consultants over the years. In addition to preventing strain injuries, these warm-ups and stretches have strengthened the team spirit and improved their culture of employee safety and wellness.

OSHA's On-site Consultation Program offers free and confidential safety and occupational health advice to small and medium-sized businesses in all states across the country 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 or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing injury and illness prevention programs.

Additional information about OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program and other small business resources is available at www.osha.gov or 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).

Source: Reed Murphy, The Original Mattress Factory, Vice President