CRANSTON, R.I. — Taco Inc. has received the SHARP (Safety & Health Achievement Program) certification award granted by the U.S. Department of Labor in conjunction with the Rhode Island Department of Health and the RI OSHA consultation program. The certification is granted to companies, operating exemplary safety and health programs.

The award was presented to company President and CEO John Hazen White Jr. and Taco employees on Jan. 16, 2009.

“SHARP certification tells the world that Taco is a safe workplace, and that Taco is a company that cares about the safety and health of its workers,” said White.

To receive certification companies must meet specific safety and health requirements, including maintaining less than national average lost workday injury and illness rates, an in-place comprehensive safety and health program, and exemplary efforts in employee safety and health protection.

The RI OSHA consultation program, which is co-managed by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Rhode Island Department of Health, provides free safety and health assistance to small and medium size companies, and provides on-site expert consultation aimed at improving a company’s safety and health management system.

In conjunction with the RI OSHA consultation program, Taco applied for SHARP certification. Activities and requirements for both programs included correcting all identified hazards, which were expected to take 24 months. Taco met all necessary requirements within one year. 

As part of the consultation process and SHARP certification, Taco has been granted a two-year exemption from OSHA inspections.