Hartland Volunteer Fire Department Receives SHAPE Award for Safety

*Award honors public-sector employers*

Hartland, Maine - Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette announced that Hartland Volunteer Fire Department has earned the Safety and Health Award for Public Employers (SHAPE).

SHAPE recognizes public-sector organizations that voluntary undertake a rigorous safety achievement program for their workers; Monday's award brings the total number of SHAPE certified worksites in Maine to 54.

"We congratulate Hartland Volunteer Fire Department for becoming SHAPE certified," Governor Paul R. LePage said. "The fire department knows that keeping their people safe is not only good for the citizens of Maine, but also good for their communities and their taxpayers. Better safety means less lost time due to injury and illness as well as lower workers' comp costs."

The SHAPE award was conceived in 2005 as a way to recognize public-sector employers and
employees who are striving to provide a safe and healthful workplace. It is given only to exemplary public-sector employers after a thorough review and inspection of the employer's safety and health policies and procedures by a SafetyWorks! consultant.

Any state, county, municipal or other public-sector employers interested in learning more about the SHAPE designation should contact SafetyWorks! at 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) or http://www.safetyworksmaine.com . SafetyWorks! provides a trained consultant with industry-specific expertise who will review the facility by appointment. The consultation may include such elements as recognizing safety hazards, sampling for air and noise exposures, recommending ways to reduce or to eliminate hazards, developing or improving a safety program, complying with regulations and identifying training needs.

The Maine Department of Labor has enforcement authority of health and safety standards for public-sector employers in Maine and is responsible for inspecting workplace injuries or fatalities suffered by public employees.

The State of Maine is an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.