Mill earns SHARP designation for safety
MASARDIS — Maibec Lumber Inc. recently earned recognition from the Maine Department of Labor for its safety accomplishments.
Contributed photo
KUDOS FOR SAFETY — Maibec Lumber Inc. of Masardis, formerly Fraser Timber, recently earned recertification in the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), given by the Maine Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The honor is the fourth for the mill, but the first since it was purchased by Maibec in January. Posing by the mill’s new sign earlier this year are employees, from left, Michael Cote, Don Bouley, Patrick LaBonte, Denis Berube, Francois Tardif, Leslie Rafford, Charles Tardif, Lindsy Archer, Gilles Monette, Arkon Horne, Oreen Saucier and Chester Horne.
The company was renewed into the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) by MDOL’s Safety Works! and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Formerly Fraser Timber, the local mill was purchased by the Levis, Quebec-based Maibec on Jan. 26 of this year. According to Roger Gagnon, safety and environmental manager, this is the plant’s fourth SHARP certification since 2006 and its first certification under the Maibec name.
In a letter notifying Maibec of the award, Steven Greeley, consultant/program manager for Safety Works!, said, “Your company and all the employees have continually worked very hard to maintain a safe and healthful work environment. Being renewed into SHARP is a major accomplishment that everyone should be extremely proud to have earned and achieved once again.”
Greeley explained that, although this was a renewal, due to the company’s name change following the sale a new plaque will be made for the Maibec facility.
According to OSHA Regional Administrator Kimberly Stille, the SHARP recognition means Maibec has been removed from the administration’s general inspection list until June 2, 2017. “This recognition represents your successful participation in a comprehensive on-site consultation survey, correction of all hazards identified during this review, and the operation of an effective safety and health program,” she wrote in a congratulatory letter.
A formal presentation by Safety Works! and OSHA is expected to be made sometime in August or September at the company’s annual safety appreciation picnic, Gagnon added.
