NAICS Code: 33341, Ventilation, heating, air-conditioning, and commercial refrigeration equipment manufacturing

QC Manufacturing, Inc., is a small manufacturing company with 25 employees and has been in business for 14 years. The company patented the QuietCool® whole house air conditioning system in March 2009 and services a national network of dealers and contractors.

Initially, when QC Manufacturing received the Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Branch's letter, explaining the availability of consultation services to assist in reducing their elevated workers' compensation experience modification rate (ExMod), they were not aware of the existence of the Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Branch and the services available to employers. Funded with Federal and state monies, OSHA On-Site Consultation Program services are completely voluntary, separate from enforcement, and do not result in penalties or citations. This 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 local agencies 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.

After learning about the benefits of partnering with Cal/OSHA Consultation, it was easy for the company to see the win-win relationship for everyone. A basic trust formed between QC Manufacturing and Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Branch. Today, the company welcomes on-site consultation visits.

The initial QC Manufacturing consultation visit was conducted in March 2016. During the consultant's walk-around, electrical, machine guarding, lockout/tagout, ladder, and other general hazards were identified. After the first consultation visit, the employer hired a full-time safety coordinator, recognizing the importance of dedicating additional resources toward improving safety and health in their workplace. All hazards identified during the CAL/OSHA consultation visits were corrected.

As a result, their experience modification rate (ExMod) decreased 73%. In addition, Total Recordable Case Rate (TRC) decreased from 12.5 in 2013 to zero in 2016 and 2017. Days Away, Restricted, and/or Transfer Rate (DART) decreased from 6.2 in 2013 to zero in 2016 and remained at zero throughout 2017. For this NAICS code, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the industry average TRC rate was 4.25, and the average DART rate was 2.025 for this period. [NOTE: 2016 is the most recent year national averages are available.]

On April 5, 2017, QC Manufacturing, Inc., was awarded Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) status with California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Consultation. SHARP participants maximize on-the-job safety as a way of increasing the efficiency, productivity, and safety of its workers. This program recognizes small business employers who have used OSHA On-Site Consultation Program services and operate an exemplary injury and illness prevention program. Acceptance of a worksite into SHARP from OSHA is an achievement of status that singles the company out among its business peers as a model for worksite safety and health.

Cal/OSHA Area Manager, Ray Acree, presented the SHARP certificate and flag. Mr. Acree stated, "It was the dedication to a safe work environment and hard work on the part of the both company management and labor that earned them the award."

To locate the OSHA On-Site Consultation program nearest you, call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit www.osha.gov/consultation.

Sources: Jeff Whitehouse, Director, QC Manufacturing, Inc.
Eugene Glendenning, Acting Program Manager, Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Branch