TO:                    News Editors

DATE:              December 18, 2020

CONTACT:      Missy Goetschius, Public Relations Director

                         607.734.6151 x122 or email GoetschiusML@arcofcs.org

RE:                   The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler Earns OSHA Recognition

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

Elmira, NY | Watkins Glen, NY – The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler is pleased to announce that it has earned renewal of its recognition in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). The SHARP program recognizes companies for their efforts to create a safe workplace, who have accident rates that are below the national standard, and who go above and beyond the OSHA

requirements to create a safe workplace.

 

When receiving its first SHARP award in 1996, The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler was the first Arc in New York State to receive the award. From the beginning, the Agency has implemented cutting edge programs and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and our staff to participate in safety initiatives. Some milestones achieved during the period include:

• Creation of a safety committee that has met continuously for the past 21 years;

• Creation of an accident reporting and investigation process;

• Involvement of individuals with disabilities in reviewing and training others in safety topics;

• Receipt of the Donald G. Schell Safety Award for outstanding safety programs; and

• Development and Implementation of a train the trainer program to help individuals to recognize safe/unsafe conditions in their workplace.

 

Today, the Agency Safety Initiatives have expanded. The original Safety Committee has become the Risk Management Team. This team oversees safety topics including: Workplace Violence; Slips, Trips and Falls; Lifting and Transferring; Vehicle Safety; and Fire Safety. Participation in safety initiatives have expanded and as an Agency we have remained engaged in creating a safe workplace.

 

ABOUT THE ARC OF CHEMUNG-SCHUYLER

The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler is a family-based organization, providing supports and services to nearly 2,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, across an 18-county service area. Learn more at www.arcofcs.org. The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler is a chapter of the state organization, The Arc New York, and is nationally accredited by The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL).