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LIXIL Americas’ Manufacturing Facility Earns Second Safety Certification from U.S. Department of Labor

Deputy Secretary of the Labor Cabinet in Kentucky Michael J. Nemes (R), presents the SHARP certificate to Matt Hurd (left), a production associate at the Kentucky manufacturing facility

August 7, 2018

LIXIL Americas‘ manufacturing facility of the American Standard brand FIAT has been certified in the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), a notable achievement distinguishing companies for exemplary occupational safety and health systems. In addition, on July 27, 2018, the plant achieved a remarkable milestone of three years without a recordable injury. LIXIL is a maker pioneering water and housing products.

SHARP is a U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) platform that recognizes small businesses who have used OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program services and operate exemplary facilities. The plant was accepted into SHARP in March 2018.

“Attaining SHARP certification is a high bar ―we have worked very hard to ensure the safety of all our employees and are honored to receive this recognition,” said Wade McNabb, vice president of manufacturing operations for LIXIL Americas.
“Our safety philosophy is ‘Accept Only Zero,’ which means zero injuries, and is a reflection of our commitment to all employees.”

The LIXIL plant personnel have worked in close partnership with the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Division of Education and Training. Companies that achieve SHARP certification are exempt from programmed OSHA inspections for two years having demonstrated a high level of excellence in safety and health programs.

“The Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health staff worked in close partnership with the LIXIL plant personnel,” said David A. Dickerson, acting secretary. “Our goal each day is to enter partnerships with more Kentucky employers to help promote worker safety through high-quality education and technical assistance, at no cost. Receiving the SHARP Certification plaque is one example of the many ways we can increase awareness of promoting worker safety.”

Deputy Secretary of the Labor Cabinet in Kentucky Michael J. Nemes presented the SHARP certificate during a celebration recognizing both the SHARP attainment and the safety milestone at the LIXIL plant. Combining beauty and dependability, FIAT acrylic and terrazzo bathing and shower modules, mop basins and laundry tubs have been an integral feature in homes, apartments, hotels, schools, hospitals and commercial buildings for more than 100 years.

LIXIL, through its American Standard brands, has deep roots in Kentucky. The Standard Sanitary Company — which eventually became American Standard — had manufacturing operations in Louisville dating back to the 1800s. The Somerset plant has been operational since 1991, becoming part of American Standard in 2009 and subsequently part of LIXIL in 2013.  The Somerset facility currently has 36 employees.

“Three years with no recordable injury is an outstanding achievement,” said Eric Vanover, LIXIL Somerset plant manager. “I commend our team for creating a safe and productive working environment for the Somerset community.”