AUGUSTA — Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette recently announced that Strouts Point Wharf of South Freeport and Rumery’s Boat Yard of Biddeford have each earned the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program award (SHARP) in recognition of their safety programs.

Acceptance into SHARP by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recognizes each business as a model for worksite safety and health standards.

“Businesses earn SHARP recognition by operating their facility under strict safety and health management standards,” said Gov. Paul LePage. “We congratulate these two marine businesses for earning SHARP certification. They demonstrate to the industry that making safety a priority pays off for everyone.”

A banner and certificate were presented to each business at separate ceremonies on Oct. 1.

Fewer than 2,000 worksites in the United States have earned SHARP certification. These awards bring Maine’s total to 71 SHARP worksites.

To qualify for SHARP, companies must undergo a comprehensive audit, correct all hazards identified during an on-site health and safety consultation, demonstrate that effective safety and health programs are in place and maintain injury rates below the industry average for the last year of completed data. After awarding the SHARP designation, OSHA removes the worksite from its general scheduled inspection list for two years. If the company continues to meet all conditions of the program, the SHARP designation may be renewed for another two years.