Akkerman Inc. Recognized by Minnesota Governor for Safety Excellence

Akkerman Inc. was formally recognized at the Governor’s Safety Awards Luncheon May 13 at the Minnesota Convention Center for its Minnesota Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (MNSHARP) status.

MNSHARP is a Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA) program of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (MNDLI). MNSHARP recognized companies demonstrate exemplary health and safety programs that supersede applicable OSHA standards. As one of 41 MNSHARP certified worksites, out of 10,000-plus manufacturers in Minnesota, Akkerman enjoys the benefits associated with long-term prevention of job-related injuries and illnesses including improved productivity, lower medical treatment costs and reduced worker’s compensation insurance premiums. In addition, MNSHARP compliance entitles Akkerman to an exemption from MNOSHA inspections for two years.

Akkerman Inc. entered the initial phases of the program in January 2010 and was officially indoctrinated into the program in June 2010. Workplace safety representatives from the MNDLI and MNOSHA, former Commissioner Steve Sviggum, local county commissions, community members and all Akkerman employees commemorated this achievement in August 2010 during a flag raising ceremony. Akkerman was re-certified in April 2011 and will require additional recertification in January 2013.