NEWPORT, Ky. (June 7, 2018) – Acting Secretary Mike Nemes joined officials from River Metals Recycling (RMR) in Newport today to celebrate the worksite’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) certification for excellence in workplace safety.
“Kentucky is proud to boast 17 companies that meet the standards of the nationally-recognized SHARP program,” Nemes said. “The rigorous criteria that companies like River Metal Recycling meet by promoting excellence in workplace safety is something that should be celebrated. Along with our 11 Voluntary Protection Program companies, these businesses are the gold standard for implementing and maintaining effective safety and health management systems. This is why I’m am here today to properly recognize this achievement while urging other companies to follow their lead. Together, the Labor Cabinet is working with companies across the Commonwealth to ensure this is the safest place to live and work in the country.”
The Newport facility employs 44 people and specializes in scrap recycling services for households, tradesmen and businesses. It also buys ferrous scrap as well as common household nonferrous scrap metal items like aluminum cans, stainless steel, copper and brass products.
“At RMR, safety is our number one core value,” said Bob Eviston, president of River Metals Recycling. “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 team for their continued ‘Ownership of Zero’!”
River Metals Recycling is owned by The David J. Joseph Company, which was founded in 1885 and is one of the largest scrap brokers/processors in the country. River Metals Recycling is the largest scrap recycler in Kentucky and employs 260 people across four states. It is headquartered in Crescent Springs, Ky., and has four SHARP-certified sites across the state.
The SHARP designation was designed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to encourage and recognize excellence in occupational safety and health among smaller employers. Qualified consultants at the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, who are experienced in helping employers develop safety and health management plans, provide assistance and training to employers at no cost.
During preparation for SHARP eligibility, employers have the opportunity to learn how to maintain safe and healthy workplaces through the development and implementation of proven and effective safety and health management systems. Upon achieving SHARP status, employers are exempt from programmed inspections for two years and subsequent renewal of the SHARP status may result in three-year exemptions from programmed inspections.
Elected officials Sen. Will Schroder, of Wilder, and Rep. Dennis Keene, of Wilder, also offered praise.
“Congratulations to River Metals Recycling for being recognized by the Labor Cabinet for the company’s emphasis on the health and safety of its employees,” Sen. Schroder said. “We are fortunate to have such a valued employer here in Campbell County.”
“This SHARP certification recognizes a remarkable – and ongoing – achievement that every worker at River Metals Recycling should be proud of,” said Rep. Keene. “I want to thank those who have worked so diligently to make their company so safe, and I also appreciate the Labor Cabinet’s efforts to highlight this type of accomplishment.”
To view a list of companies who have earned the SHARP status and for all things workplace safety in Kentucky, visit KYsafe.ky.gov.
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