International Dehydrated Foods, Inc., Is Among Best In Workplace Safety

                               Jefferson, MO  (CompNewsNetwork) - When it comes to enforcing labor standards in Missouri, workplace safety ranks high on the list of priorities for the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR). As a result, the Department recognizes those Missouri businesses that utilize best-practice standards in workplace safety.

The Department's Division of Labor Standards is pleased to announce that International Dehydrated Foods, Inc., Monett, Mo., has earned the distinction of being named the newest member of Missouri's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). International Dehydrated Foods, Inc., implemented the SHARP safety management program at its business and achieved an excellent workplace safety record qualifying the manufacturer for this exclusive safety and health incentive and recognition program.

"We welcome International Dehydrated Foods, Inc., as the newest member of the SHARP program," said Todd Smith, DOLIR Director. "They have worked hard to develop and implement an exemplary safety and health program that will help them prevent job-related injuries and illnesses within their facility," Smith added.

International Dehydrated Foods, Inc., will be honored for their achievement during a ceremony at 2 p.m., on Oct. 22, 2008, at the business, which is located at 700 S. Chapel Drive in Monett. Officials from the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the DOLIR will present the business a proclamation signed by Gov. Matt Blunt, a Certificate of Recognition, and a SHARP flag, which can be hung outside the facility.

SHARP is the highest level consultative services program of the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program. It is designed to promote effective workplace safety and health program management. SHARP also is designed to provide incentives and support to smaller, high-hazard employers to work with their employees to develop, implement, and continuously improve the effectiveness of their workplace safety and health programs. All SHARP companies are exempt from programmed OSHA inspections from one to three years.

To be eligible for SHARP, a company may employ no more than 500 total employees at all nationwide worksites. In addition, the worksite's lost workday injury and illness rate must be below the national average for its industry.

Presently, 23 Missouri companies participate in the SHARP program. Criteria for inclusion in the SHARP include management leadership and employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training.

For more information about the SHARP or to request a free safety and health consultation, please visit www.dolir.mo.gov/ls or call (573) 751-3403.