Soldotna Physician, Barrow Schools Honored For Worker Safety Achievement

May 27, 2004
No. 04-53

JUNEAU – A Soldotna medical clinic and two public schools in Barrow have earned state recognition for maintaining and renewing outstanding employee safety and health programs.

Recognition ceremonies will be scheduled to present the winning organizations with the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) award from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The Soldotna SHARP winner is the office of Dr. Theodore Barton. The physician and his medical practice are located at 35670 Kenai Spur Highway with four employees.

The North Slope Borough School District will be honored for SHARP renewal and recognition at two schools:

The Barrow High School has a staff of 58 employees at its facilities at 1684 Okpik Street.

The Eben Hopson Middle School is located at 6501 Transit Street with a staff of 70.

Labor Commissioner Greg O’Claray praised the organizations for their achievement. “Reducing on-the-job health and safety risks increases job performance and strengthens the relationship between labor and management.”

O’Claray said SHARP compliance also pays dividends in lower insurance costs and increased efficiency. The recognition program is administered by the office of Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (AKOSH) in the Division of Labor Standards and Safety.

Labor Standards and Safety Division Director Grey Mitchell said SHARP winners are excused from generally scheduled AKOSH inspections during the recognition period. Enforcement regulations remain in effect in cases of employee complaints or accident investigations.

More information is available from SHARP Program Coordinator Krystyna Markiewicz at 907.269.4958 or by email: Krystyna_Markiewicz@labor.state.ak.us.

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News Media Contacts:
Krystyna Markiewicz, DOLWD Occupational Safety & Health, 907.269.4958 or
Joe Holbert, Special Assistant/Communications, 907.465.5673

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