ALEXANDRIA, VA – November 6, 2009 – In the midst of recent record-setting fines and an increase in the number of safety-related workplace deaths, International Sign Association (ISA) member Bee Seen Signs received recognition from the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for their dedication to maintaining a safe work environment for employees. “In these tough economic times companies are cutting back on employees and relying on the remaining workforce to be more productive. A side effect of doing more with less is that employees sometimes shortcut safety measures resulting in an increase in workplace injuries and even death,” says Department Director Larry Rebman. “We are fortunate there are employers like Bee Seen Signs that are dedicated to making workplace safety a priority.” Bee Seen Signs, a full-service sign company, was one of the first businesses to become a member of the Missouri Department of Labor’s elite safety program, Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) in July 1992. Bee Seen Signs began working with the Department’s safety consultants in June 1990 and has since provided a top-notch facility for both its employees and clients. “We wanted to retain quality people, and a safe work environment is part of what it takes to do that,” says owner Judy Dietzel. “Since we consider our employees to be the biggest asset to our company, we want to do everything possible to keep them safe. In addition, this program helped us reduce our workers’ compensation premiums and general liability insurance. That savings goes a long way, especially for a small business like ours.” The Department of Labor offers free onsite safety and health consultations to high hazard businesses with 250 employees or less. The Department’s professional consultants identify safety hazards and help employers come up with inexpensive solutions. Participation can lower insurance premiums, cut out-of-pocket expenses, and reduce workplace injuries. Businesses that implement safety programs over a period of time can become SHARP members and be exempt from OSHA-targeted inspections for up to three years. To be eligible for SHARP, a company must implement a safety plan and the worksite’s lost workday injury and illness rate must be below the national average for its industry. Visit the ISA website to learn more about how your sign shop can become a member of the OSHA SHARP program or request a free onsite safety and health consultation. The International Sign Association’s Sign Academy is pleased to offer a variety of safety-related webinars and seminars to its members and member prospects. With topics ranging from crane safety training to learning from former OSHA Administrator Ed Foulke on how to prepare for an OSHA inspection, the Sign Academy is the resource for sign industry safety education. Contact ISA’s education department or visit the ISA website for more information on available and upcoming programs. About ISA
The International Sign Association (ISA) is a 2,300-member trade association. Its members are manufacturers, suppliers, and users of on-premise signs and sign products from the 50 United States and 60 countries around the world. ISA supports, promotes, and improves the worldwide sign industry, which employs or directly impacts over 250,000 American workers and more than $49 billion in annual shipments. ### If you'd like more information, please call Tracey Cook at 703-836-6067 or e-mail tracey.cook@signs.org. |