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Noah's Ark, Inc. Earns Sharp Recognition

Jul. 15, 2002
No. 02-39

Company among four in the state approved for safety program

Noah's Ark, Inc. parent company for Animal House Veterinary Clinic and Noah's Ark Boarding and Grooming in Fairbanks, has been approved for the state's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development Ed Flanagan announced today.

"Noah's Ark has worked diligently with our Occupational Safety and Health consultation and training section to improve safety conditions for its employees," Flanagan said in making the presentation at the Fairbanks clinic today. "Throughout the year, the clinic greatly improved the site conditions and enhanced the safety programs for its employees."

Noah's Ark facility includes a clinic, boarding space for 19 dogs and 17 cats, grooming, dog training, retail services and a crematorium. Its President, Dr. Deanna Thornell, also lives on the premises, which was formerly a large warehouse used by construction and equipment repair companies. The clinic employs 23 people.

"Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to safety," said Dr. Thornell. "Our goal is to provide a safe environment for all creatures."

Noah's Ark now joins four other companies in Alaska that have earned SHARP recognition, including the City of Kenai Wastewater Treatment Plant, S&R Enterprises in Kenai, and Juneau's Alaskan Brewing Company.

In SHARP, a cooperative relationship between management, labor and Alaska Occupational Safety and Health is established at a workplace that has implemented a strong safety and health program. While participation in the program is voluntary and does not exempt the worksite from OSH enforcement activities in case of employee complaints and accident investigations, the worksite is removed from general scheduled inspections for an approved period of time (from 1 to 2 years).

Contact at Noah's Ark Inc. is JoEllen Cariati, Practice Manager, at (907) 479-2800.

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