Location: Albany, Indiana

NAICS Code: 42393-Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers

Number of employees: 11 at each site; 350 Corporate-wide

River Metals Recycling operates facilities in Indiana and other states that purchase materials such as old cars, aluminum cans, and other scrap metal products for recycling. Their processes include sorting, processing, and compacting cans, draining fluids, and preparing vehicles for transport. The River Metals Recycling facility in Greensburg, Indiana, has been a part of the Indiana Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (INSHARP) for eight years.

The company employs approximately 350 employees company-wide and wished to pursue SHARP at two of its other locations. Its North Vernon and New Albany locations in Indiana were visited by INSafe Consultation Services to perform full-service safety and health Consultation visits. The consultants identified issues with electrical hazards, emergency response, and hazard communication.

After correcting identified hazards, both locations successfully achieved initial recognition into INSHARP during Spring 2022. 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.

Neither location has experienced any workplace illnesses or injuries during the last three years. Their rates were below the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national average for their specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 42393 of 3.3 for the total recordable case (TRC) rate and 1.9 for the days away, restricted, and/or transfer (DART) rate. Low TRC and DART rates in any industry indicates a commitment to workplace safety and health and has the impact of significantly reducing workers’ compensation insurance premiums and claims costs.

General Manager Bob Eviston stated, “At River Metals Recycling, safety is our number one core value. This award is a testament to RMR’s comprehensive safety process including ongoing training and procedures to ensure the safety of all teammates, customers, and suppliers. Proactive safety practices are key to reducing workplace injuries. I want to thank the entire RMR North Vernon and New Albany teams for all the hard work they have put in to achieve this prestigious award as well as their continued ‘Ownership of Zero’!”

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.