Certification Process

Certification in the Nebraska SHARP program is a process that includes a comprehensive consultation and a satisfactory review. The company must agree to:

• A comprehensive safety and health survey by the Nebraska Department of Labor's OSHA Consultation Program at the facility, which includes a complete safety and health program review.
• Involve employees in the development, operations and improvement of all elements of the workplace safety and health program.
• Work with the consultation program to qualify for the exemption program during which time the employer will:
  • Correct all hazards identified during the survey process.
  • Implement all elements of an effective written occupational safety and health management program.
  • Lower their Injury and Illness Incidence Rates (IIIR) to below the national average for their industry based on at least one full year's experience, if the rates are not already below the national average.
    • There are also provisions for employers whose injury and illness rates have been below the national average for at least one year and have all other required elements in place to enter the program.
  • Notify the consultation program in advance of any changes in working conditions or processes that might create new hazards in the workplace.