Aria Energy In Lenox Recognized For Outstanding Workplace Safety And Health

Aria Energy, a leading provider of baseload renewable energy, was awarded its first Michigan Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (MSHARP) award recently for an exceptional safety and health management system at its Pine Tree Acres landfill gas-to-energy facility located in Lenox, MI.

Established by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA), the MSHARP recognizes employers that have achieved workplace safety and health excellence far beyond their peers. The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

“MIOSHA is thrilled to welcome Aria Energy to an elite group of companies that make safety their number one priority,” said MIOSHA Director Martha Yoder. “Other small businesses that are looking to increase worker protection can now look to Aria Energy as a role model in workplace safety and health.”

Yoder presented the MSHARP Award to Aria Energy management and employees. Also in attendance were Lenox Township officials and a representative from the 7th District.

“We are very pleased and honored that MIOSHA has recognized Aria Energy for our ongoing commitment to excellence in workplace safety and health,” said Richard M. DiGia, president and CEO of Aria Energy.  “Our Pine Tree Acres operations and safety teams have done an outstanding job of running the facility, allowing Aria Energy to safely deliver clean and reliable renewable energy to Michigan residents.”

DiGia also recognized the following Aria Energy team members for the company’s accomplishments:

• Jason Neumann, Lead Operator
• Vince Dang, Plant Operator
• Shawn Meyers, Plant Operator
• Kyle Burgess, Plant Operator
• Rodney Wray, Corporate Safety Manager

The MSHARP targets small, high-hazard employers to help them develop, implement and continuously improve the effectiveness of their workplace safety and health management system. The program provides an incentive for employers to emphasize accident and illness prevention by anticipating problems, rather than reacting to them.

The MIOSHA Onsite Consultation Program within the Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division operates the Michigan SHARP Program. Onsite consultants work with employers to help them become self-sufficient in managing occupational safety and health. SHARP worksites earn an exemption from “programmed” MIOSHA inspections on a yearly basis.

The MIOSHA onsite review team consisted of Joe Barela, senior safety consultant and D.W. Johnson, senior industrial hygienist.

“The Michigan SHARP requires a comprehensive consultation visit and the correction of all serious workplace safety and health hazards to achieve certification,” said Yoder. “Aria Energy has demonstrated a commitment to correcting hazards and improving its safety and health program.”

The company has an excellent system in place, which incorporates each of the seven required MSHARP elements: hazard anticipation and detection; hazard prevention and control; planning and evaluation; administration and supervision; safety and health training; management leadership, and employee participation.