
SAFETY TAKES SHAPE OF AWARD — The Fort Fairfield Fire Department, under the supervision of Chief Paul Durepo, received the SHAPE award at a presentation July 29 during a Fort Fairfield Town Council meeting. The recognition is presented to organizations that show exemplary efforts in promoting safety in the workplace. Making the presentation was David Wacker, director, Maine Department of Labor, Workplace Safety Division.
Staff Writer
Three Aroostook County fire departments were the recipients of the SHAPE (Safety & Health Award for Public Employees) award recently, recognizing each department for exemplary safety efforts.
Paul Durepo, fire chief for the Fort Fairfield, Limestone and Loring fire departments — the three award winners — was on hand during Fort Fairfield Town Council’s meeting July 29, where David Wacker, director, Maine Department of Labor’s Workplace Safety Division, made one of the presentations.
“This is not an easy task. Fort Fairfield became one of the department’s (MDL’s) ‘best of the best.’ Because you’re getting this award, we don’t need to come here as often,” said Wacker.
Wacker said Fort Fairfield Fire Department’s receiving the award was due to Durepo and his crew’s dedication to safety in the workplace.
“After a review by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), which looked at training records, equipment and more, they couldn’t find anything wrong; there’s been drops in injury and insurance claims,” said Wacker.
With the award comes a challenge, according to Wacker.
“The Labor Department will stay out of your fire station for two years. But during that time, you need to be mentors for others in the state,” noted Wacker.
Town Manager Dan Foster said this was “one of the more enjoyable efforts” a town department has been involved in.
“The goal was not to find what’s wrong but recognize what’s right. I was impressed with the whole process,” said Foster.
SHAPE recognizes public-sector employers who maintain an exemplary safety and health management system. Acceptance into SHAPE by the Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards, is an achievement that distinguishes an organization as a model for workplace safety and health. Upon receiving SHAPE recognition, a work site will be exempt from programmed inspections during the period the SHAPE certification is valid.
To participate in SHAPE:
• Request a consultation visit that involves a complete hazard identification survey;
• Involve employees in the consultation process;
• Correct all hazards identified by the consultant;
• Implement and maintain a safety and health management system that, at a minimum, addresses the Self-Assessment Form Guidelines;
• Lower the company’s Lost Workday Injury and Illness Rate (LWDII) and Total Recordable Case Rate (TRCR) below the state average; and
• Agree to notify the Workplace Safety and Health Division prior to making any changes in the working conditions or introducing new hazards into the workplace.
As a certified SHAPE site, an organization will be granted a one-year exemption from the Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards scheduled inspections for the first year of SHAPE participation. After one year of certification, a request for renewal for one or two years may be made, provided certain guidelines are followed.
FMI, contact SafetyWorks! toll-free at 877-SAFE-345 or e-mail: david.e.wacker@maine.gov. Or visit www.safetyworksmaine.com.
Foster spoke on behalf of the Council and the citizens of Fort Fairfield, expressing support for the department’s staff for a job well done.
“I extend congratulations to Paul and his staff. Great job,” said Foster.