1) What is the relationship between the SHARP Alliance and Oregon OSHA?

The Oregon SHARP Alliance is a separate entity that is not attached to Oregon OSHA. The mission of the Oregon SHARP Alliance is to promote safety and health management and cooperation among companies and government for the betterment of all Oregon workers. The

• Alliance member companies are advocates:
  • for excellence in occupational safety and health,
  • for the continuous growth of the SHARP program, and
  • for a positive relationship with Oregon OSHA.

The members of the Oregon SHARP Alliance work in partnership with Oregon OSHA to assist Oregon companies to learn to more effectively manage safety and health. The relationship between Oregon OSHA and SHARP Alliance member companies has been forged through working together to achieve common goals. Alliance member companies view Oregon OSHA as a resource to help them improve their safety and health performance.

2) How long do I have to complete the SHARP process and what resources are
available if I get stuck?

The length of time it takes to complete the SHARP process is as varied as the companies who work toward SHARP. One factor that strongly affects the length of time is the workplace culture that exists when you start. If your workplace culture already has strong management commitment and supports meaningful employee involvement, you may be nearer to SHARP than you think. An individual company can take as long as they need to go through the process.

The SHARP process calls for a series of evaluations to assess, followed by action plans to improve until the company gets to a level that can be approved. The length of time needed also depends on the resources committed. Companies have achieved SHARP in less than six months while other companies have been working towards SHARP for as long as six years.

As far as resources available if you get stuck, Oregon OSHA consultants are available by telephone http://www.cbs.state.or.us/external/osha/maps.html to discuss issues and provide guidance. Oregon OSHA's SHARP web page at http://www.cbs.state.or.us/external/osha/subjects/sharp.html also contains tools that can help you move through the SHARP process. Finally, the Oregon SHARP Alliance, can help by providing valuable assistance in the form of mentoring and networking with other SHARP facilities, some of whom may have dealt with the same issues that are blocking your path.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the SHARP Alliance, feel free to contact us. We will get back with you as soon as possible.