Ozark-based building supplier receives SHARP status

An Ozark-based building supply company on Wednesday will be officially inducted into the state's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, which now includes 27 Missouri employers.

National Home Products of Springfield Inc., 1605 W. Skyline Ave. in Ozark, will be the 13th facility in southwest Missouri to obtain SHARP status, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Other area companies participating in SHARP include Diesel Exchange Inc., Central States Industrial Equipment and Wil Fischer Distributing Co.

Started in 1984 by OSHA, SHARP recognizes small employers that have exemplary systems for employee safety and health management. The program is open only to companies that employ fewer than 500 people in all locations; SHARP participants enjoy a renewable one-year exemption from regular OSHA inspections and, in most cases, lower workers' compensation insurance rates.

To achieve SHARP status, a company must undergo a workplace consultation with Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations staff, involve employees in the consultation process and correct all identified workplace hazards. SHARP companies also must meet OSHA's 1989 Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines.

DOLIR Director Larry Rebman and OSHA Regional Administrator Chuck Adkins will visit National Home Products at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday to present owners Andy and Monica Jenisch with the award.

The Jenisches acquired National Home Products from founder Chris Torrisi for an undisclosed amount in a deal that closed April 1, 2008, according to previous Springfield Business Journal coverage.

National Home Products' facility in Ozark comprises offices, a 2,000-square-foot showroom and a 15,000-square-foot fabrication shop. The company has six employees.[[In-content Ad]]