Weyerhaeuser's TOPS Operation Earns Safety Recognition
When it comes to on-the-job safety and health, "sharp" is the only way to describe the 16 employees at Weyerhaeuser Co.''s Topwood Optimization Project Springfield (TOPS).
The operation has become one of 55 Oregon employers that have achieved Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division''s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) status.
SHARP is a partnership between Oregon OSHA and employers that are committed to creating optimal occupational safety and health programs.
TOPS, a Weyerhaeuser operation named by employees, converts tops of harvested trees, called "topwood," into primary wood products.
In 1998, employees decided to pursue the SHARP program.
"Safety is No. 1 with our crew, as it is for Weyerhaeuser," said Bob McCarty, TOPS operations manager. "We all saw a great value to SHARP. Although we''ve always had an excellent safety record, we wanted to ensure success by better understanding processes and creating a model safety program."
To earn SHARP status, an employer works closely with Oregon OSHA to evaluate current programs, correct safety hazards and develop and implement safer processes.
The program stresses self-sufficiency and continuous improvement. An annual review is required to maintain SHARP status.
"Our crew is a high performance workgroup," says McCarty. "Their involvement was the key to achieving SHARP. They are able to quickly identify potential hazards and get them taken care of. When we have safety meetings, the entire crew is there. I am proud of the employees for their commitment and for looking out for each other."
In addition to TOPS, six other Weyerhaeuser operations have earned SHARP awards, including Beaverton Customer Service Center, Beaverton Recycling, Coos Bay Timberlands, Cottage Grove Lumber Operations, Eugene Distribution Center and Portland Containerboard Packaging.
by Virginia Sutcliffe
About the Author
EHS Today Staff
EHS Today's editorial staff includes:
Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.
Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.
Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.