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How Ridgway Strengthened Its Safety and Health Management System to Earn SHARP Recognition

How Ridgway Strengthened Its Safety and Health Management System to Earn SHARP Recognition

Keeping employees safe on the job is more than just good practice, it's a responsibility. At Ridgway Roof Truss, that responsibility turned into action when the company set its sights on earning SHARP recognition from OSHA.

What made it possible? A stronger Safety and Health Management System, better administrative safety procedures, and a smart digital tool called QualityReports that kept everything organized and trackable.

This article walks through Ridgway's journey; how the team improved their workplace safety practices, met key OSHA safety requirements, and the real benefits they've seen since earning SHARP certification.

What does SHARP Certification Means?

SHARP stands for the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program. It's a program from OSHA that highlights small and mid-sized businesses with outstanding safety programs.

Earning SHARP status shows that a business has more than just the basics, it has a complete and effective system for keeping people safe.

To qualify, companies must:

  • Invite OSHA's free On-Site Consultation Program
  • Identify and correct safety issues
  • Put strong health and safety practices in place
  • Show they're committed to improving over time

SHARP-certified companies are also removed from OSHA's routine inspection list while their certification is active.

Where did Ridgway start?

When Ridgway first looked closely at its safety processes, the team saw something important: while people cared about safety, some important steps were missing. Meetings were being held, but there wasn't a consistent way to track what was discussed. Near misses were talked about informally, but not always written down. Training happened, but the records weren't all in one place.

That's where the shift began. Ridgway committed to creating a more organized, more effective Safety and Health Management System; something that would not only meet OSHA's standards, but improve daily operations too.

How QualityReports Made Safety Easier to Manage?

A big part of that transformation was using QualityReports, a tool that made safety tracking simple, clear, and accessible. Instead of relying on paper or spreadsheets, Ridgway moved key safety processes into one easy-to-use system.

Here's how QualityReports helped:

  • Reporting Safety Concerns and Incidents: Anyone on the team could quickly report a hazard or near miss using the system. That meant faster responses and better follow-up.

  • Preparing for Safety Checks: The system created checklists and inspection reports with photos and notes. This made it easier to stay organized and ready for any audit or inspection.

  • Tracking Employee Training: QualityReports kept a full record of who completed what training and when. No more digging through folders or second-guessing if someone was up to date.

  • Sharing Safety Policies: Updates to safety rules and guidelines were shared digitally, and the system made sure every employee acknowledged and understood them.

By simplifying how safety was tracked and managed, Ridgway didn't just stay organized; they created a system where safety, consistency, accountability, and awareness became part of the daily routine. That shift turned safety from a task into a shared commitment.

Meeting OSHA's Safety Standards

To qualify for SHARP, Ridgway had to prove its safety program met OSHA's main areas of focus:

Management and Employee Involvement

Supervisors at Ridgway didn't just set the tone; they took part in weekly reviews of safety progress. Team members helped with inspections and safety planning, making everyone part of the process.

Checking for Hazards

With the help of QualityReports, safety walk-throughs and assessments became part of the daily routine, not just something done once a year.

Fixing Problems Quickly

When an issue came up, the system tracked what needed to be done, who was responsible, and when it was finished.

Ongoing Safety Training

Everyone received the training needed for their role, and all completions were logged. This not only helped OSHA see the system was working, but it also protected the team.

Ridgway didn't just meet the minimum; they built a program that worked well and made sense for how they operated.

What Changed After SHARP Certification?

Earning SHARP recognition brought major advantages for Ridgway. Here's what improved:

No Surprise OSHA Inspections

Because SHARP-certified businesses are removed from OSHA's regular inspection schedule, Ridgway could focus more on day-to-day work, knowing their program had already passed review.

A More Engaged Team

With clearer processes and better communication, employees became more involved in safety. Reporting concerns felt easier, and everyone knew what to expect.

Faster, More Organized Workflows

Using QualityReports reduced paperwork, made tracking progress simpler, and helped the team respond to safety concerns more quickly.

A Stronger Reputation

SHARP recognition showed customers, suppliers, and insurers that Ridgway takes safety seriously. It's a mark of trust that makes the business more competitive.

Thinking About SHARP? Here's What Helped Ridgway Succeed

For other companies interested in SHARP, here are some key takeaways from Ridgway's experience:

  • Start with a clear review. Know what safety practices you already have---and where the gaps are.

  • Use the right tools. A system like QualityReports can save time and reduce errors.

  • Make documentation a habit. Don't wait for audits---log everything as you go.

  • Get everyone involved. Safety improves when all voices are heard.

  • Use the OSHA Consultation Program. It's a free resource that guides you toward SHARP with expert help.

Earning SHARP isn't about having a perfect program from day one. It's about building a system that improves and protects your people.

Continuing the Commitment to Safety

For Ridgway, SHARP isn't just a one-time achievement; it's something they work to maintain. The company continues to review its processes, provide training, and use QualityReports to keep safety organized and top of mind.

That ongoing effort helps keep employees safe, keeps the business in good standing, and reinforces a culture where safety is part of everyday work.

Choose the Safety System That Works in the Real World

Ridgway's success with SHARP shows that when a company builds the right systems and involves the entire team, safety becomes second nature.

Their experience proves that a well-structured Safety and Health Management System, supported by practical tools like QualityReports, does more than meet OSHA requirements. It helps make daily operations smoother, safer, and more efficient.

For companies working toward SHARP or simply aiming to strengthen workplace safety compliance, Ridgway's journey offers a valuable example. Use tools that bring clarity, encourage shared responsibility, and stay committed to doing things the right way, every day.