The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB) presented New Mexico Consortium with the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) award. New Mexico Consortium becomes one of seven SHARP participants in New Mexico.

A ceremony recognizing the company’s accomplishments was held at the New Mexico Consortium site in Los Alamos on December 14. Representatives from Environment Departments OHSB presented the company with the award. Receiving the award, Steve Buelow stated: "The New Mexico Consortium appreciates the assistance and recognition provided by OSHA through their on-site consultation and SHARP certification. The New Mexico Consortium's Biological Research Laboratory is a new endeavor for the Consortium. The expertise and guidance provided by OSHA's consultants was very helpful and played an important role in the development and implementation of a robust safety program at the facility.”

The On-site Consultation’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes business employers who operate an exemplary injury and illness prevention program. Vital elements of the program include management leadership and commitment to a safe working environment; employee involvement in implementing the health and safety program; worksite hazard analysis; prevention and control programs and comprehensive safety and health training. Acceptance of a worksite into SHARP from New Mexico OHSB is an achievement of status that singles companies out among their business peers as a model for worksite safety and health. Upon receiving SHARP recognition, New Mexico OHSB exempts the worksite from programmed enforcement inspections during the period that the SHARP certification is valid.

Robert Genoway, OHSB Bureau Chief stated: “It’s been a pleasure to work with New Mexico Consortium achieving their SHARP Certification. They have worked hard to make a safe and healthy work environment for their employees and they deserve this recognition”.

This facility is the first within their industry to receive a New Mexico SHARP award. The New Mexico Consortium site employs approximately 50 workers. The company was established in year 2008, and is currently managed by Steve Buelow, Executive Director of the company.

To obtain additional information about New Mexico On-site Consultation or the SHARP Program, contact Lisa Spahr, New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, On-site Consultation Program Manager at 505-222-9505.

Small businesses often need help to meet the Federal OSHA health and safety regulations but lack resources for hiring private services. OSHA's completely voluntary On-site Consultation Program services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. This program offers free, confidential safety and health advice to small and medium-sized businesses in all states across the country and several territories, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. 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 the OSHA On-site Consultation Program and how to obtain these safety and health consultation is available at www.osha.gov or 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).